Senegal has been plunged into fresh political uncertainty after lawmakers elected recently dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as speaker of parliament, marking a dramatic turnaround just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from government office.
The vote, held in the National Assembly, saw Sonko secure 132 votes in the 165 seat chamber, with no votes cast against him and only one abstention, underscoring his continued dominance within the ruling political landscape despite his recent dismissal from the executive branch.
The development has intensified what opposition figures are describing as an “institutional crisis,” with critics warning that the move reflects a widening power struggle at the top of Senegal’s leadership. The political tension comes at a time when the country is already facing growing concerns over public debt and economic stability.
Sonko’s election to the powerful parliamentary position follows a rapid sequence of political events that began with his removal as prime minister by President Faye, a decision that ended months of speculation about friction within the governing alliance. His dismissal had already shocked political observers, given his central role in Faye’s rise to power.
Faye, who became president with strong backing from Sonko’s political movement, initially appointed him prime minister after the 2024 election victory. However, relations between the two figures have reportedly deteriorated in recent months amid disagreements over governance priorities and economic management.
The latest parliamentary vote effectively places Sonko in a position where he retains significant institutional influence despite no longer serving in the executive branch. His return to the front line of politics was made possible after lawmakers first reinstated him as a member of parliament earlier the same day, clearing procedural hurdles for his eligibility.
Opposition leaders have sharply criticised the sequence of events. Aissata Tall Sall, a prominent opposition figure, described the developments as an “institutional coup,” arguing that Sonko should have formally stepped down from his executive role before reassuming a legislative position. She accused the ruling majority of manipulating parliamentary procedures to secure his election.
The political shake up follows the resignation of former speaker El Malick Ndiaye, a close ally of Sonko, who stepped down shortly before the vote. His resignation opened the path for Sonko’s nomination and subsequent election without contest.
Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo has since been appointed as the country’s new prime minister by President Faye, with the task of stabilising governance and addressing mounting fiscal pressures. Senegal’s economy has been under strain in recent years, with rising debt levels and growing demands for structural reforms.
Sonko, who remains one of Senegal’s most influential political figures, continues to command strong loyalty within the Pastef party and among sections of the electorate, particularly young supporters who view him as a symbol of political change. Despite being barred from contesting the presidency due to a prior defamation conviction, his political influence has remained intact and visible throughout recent electoral cycles.
Analysts say the latest development highlights the fragility of the governing alliance that brought Faye to power, raising questions about cohesion at the highest levels of the state. The situation is also likely to complicate ongoing efforts to manage Senegal’s economic challenges, which include debt restructuring discussions and broader fiscal reform plans.
The crisis has drawn regional attention, given Senegal’s reputation as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies. Observers warn that continued institutional conflict between the executive and legislative branches could slow policy implementation and deepen uncertainty in both political and economic spheres.
For now, attention is focused on how President Faye will navigate the new political reality in which his former prime minister now controls one of the most influential positions in parliament, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the country.
