Just four days after being relieved of his duties as Senegal’s Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been sworn in as the new Speaker of the National Assembly.
The parliamentary session unfolded amid political turmoil, with opposition lawmakers boycotting the proceedings. Critics slammed the move as an unconstitutional power grab, heightening the already tense climate.
Despite recent friction between Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—the former premier secured overwhelming support from his party’s lawmakers, who command a commanding majority with 130 out of 165 seats.
His election to the top parliamentary post signals a dramatic resurgence in Sonko’s political career. As the results were declared, members of the Pastef bloc erupted in cheers and applause.
The position is now filled by Ousmane Sonko, following the resignation of his predecessor, El Malick Ndiaye, which was announced on Sunday.
