The Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic has formally demanded the removal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from the National Assembly, labeling his current parliamentary status as both illegal and illegitimate.
Political reactions and legal arguments
In a June 3 statement, the coalition accused Sonko of violating electoral and constitutional provisions by maintaining dual roles as both head of government and elected deputy. The FDR highlighted Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, which requires ministers elected to parliament to resign from their ministerial positions within eight days or forfeit their parliamentary mandate.
Opposition deputies have also filed a constitutional review request, arguing that recent amendments to the Assembly’s internal regulations cannot override established constitutional and legislative provisions. The coalition described Sonko’s return to the Assembly as a parliamentary power grab that undermines democratic institutions.
The FDR called for immediate corrective action, urging the Assembly to reverse what it terms an illegal maneuver while mobilizing civil society to defend constitutional order and institutional integrity.
This political and legal dispute continues to dominate Senegal’s national conversation, with Sonko’s parliamentary status remaining a contentious issue.
