Just days after being removed from his role as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been elected as the new leader of Senegal’s National Assembly.
The parliamentary session unfolded amid intense political pressure, as opposition lawmakers chose to boycott the proceedings. Critics have labeled the move as an unconstitutional power grab, exacerbating already strained relations within the ruling party.
Despite recent rifts between Sonko and the President—both members of the Pastef party—the latter’s bloc dominated the vote with 130 out of 165 seats, ensuring Sonko’s swift ascent to the Assembly’s top position. Cheers erupted from Pastef deputies as the results were announced, signaling his triumphant return to the political spotlight.
Sonko now takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who stepped down earlier in the week.