The National Assembly of Senegal is poised to consider the reinstatement of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as a deputy this Tuesday, May 26th. This crucial step could pave the way for him to assume leadership of the Parliament. However, the opposition coalition is vehemently protesting the move, labeling it an “institutional coup” orchestrated by the ruling majority.
A rapid political resurgence
Following his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye last Friday, after months of escalating tensions at the highest echelons of government, Ousmane Sonko appears set for a swift political comeback. Parliament has been convened for a morning session on Tuesday to vote on his “reintegration” as a deputy. This vote is expected to precede the election of a new National Assembly president. The path for Sonko was cleared on Sunday when El Malick Ndiaye, a close associate and the former head of the institution, stepped down from his position. Sonko’s party, Pastef, commands a significant majority in the Assembly, holding 130 out of 165 seats.
Opposition challenges the procedure
Despite the ruling party’s strong position, the primary opposition coalition asserts that Sonko’s proposed reinstatement does not adhere to institutional regulations. During a press conference held on Monday, Deputy Aïssata Tall Sall vehemently condemned the situation, describing it as an “institutional coup” and an act of “forcing” by the presidential majority. She argued that Ousmane Sonko should have formally resigned from his Prime Ministerial duties before any official re-installation as a deputy, even on a temporary basis. The opposition is now urging President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to refer this legal dispute to the Constitutional Council for a definitive ruling.
Strained relations with Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Ousmane Sonko, having been barred from contesting the 2024 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, had designated his ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye to represent the Pastef party. Faye’s subsequent election to the presidency marked the ascent of a powerful duo, enjoying widespread popularity, particularly among Senegal’s youth. However, over several months, noticeable disagreements emerged between the two leaders, culminating in Sonko’s dismissal last Friday.