In a sharply worded statement to journalists, Ousmane Sonko, leader of the PASTEF party and majority parliamentary group, condemned what he described as a politically motivated conspiracy aimed at preventing his reinstatement as a deputy in the National Assembly. The move follows a constitutional challenge filed by a coalition of opposition lawmakers and independents, who argue that his recent reinstatement violates constitutional provisions.
Speaking with unwavering conviction, Sonko dismissed the legal challenge as a calculated ploy orchestrated by adversaries bent on undermining his political career. He emphasized that the opposition’s strategy is not rooted in legal merit but in deliberate manipulation of state institutions for partisan gain. « Their tactics reveal a clear pattern of scheming and conspiracy. The constitutional complaint is nothing more than a pretext constructed by those determined to obstruct justice, » he declared.
At the center of the dispute lies a fundamental disagreement over the interpretation of constitutional rules. Opponents claim that Sonko’s reinstatement in late May contravenes the Constitution, asserting that his dual role as former Prime Minister and elected deputy in 2024 created an irreconcilable conflict of interest. They are urging the Constitutional Council to annul the decision restoring his parliamentary mandate.
In response, Sonko issued a stern warning to his critics: « Should they attempt to weaponize the state apparatus against us, we will deploy every legal recourse granted by the Constitution to defend our rights and uphold justice. » His defiant tone signals a deepening legal and political confrontation, with both sides preparing for a decisive showdown in the courts.
