Dakar — The leader of Pastef, Ousmane Sonko, has strongly condemned what he describes as a politically motivated attempt to block his reinstatement as a member of the National Assembly. The appeal, filed with the Constitutional Council by opposition lawmakers and independents, has drawn sharp criticism from Sonko, who accuses opponents of orchestrating a legal manoeuvre to derail his political career.
« This is nothing short of a conspiracy, » Sonko declared, arguing that the constitutional appeal lacks merit. « Those behind this move knew full well that the Constitutional Council has no jurisdiction over this matter. » He further warned against what he sees as the weaponisation of state institutions for partisan ends, vowing to defend his rights through all legally permissible means.
In a separate statement issued on 1 June 2026, opposition deputies and independents announced their decision to challenge the National Assembly Bureau’s 24 May 2026 ruling that reinstated Sonko as a deputy. The petitioners claim that Sonko’s eligibility violates the Constitution, specifically Article 54, which prohibits holding certain public offices alongside a parliamentary mandate. Their argument hinges on Sonko’s prior roles as Prime Minister and deputy, positions they argue were incompatible at the time of his 2024 election victory.
