Senegal’s constitutional council denies opposition challenge to Ousmane Sonko’s Assembly return

The Senegalese Constitutional Council has ruled it lacks jurisdiction to hear an opposition appeal challenging the reinstatement of Ousmane Sonko to the National Assembly, followed by his election as president of the legislative body. The decision brings an end to the legal challenge launched by opponents who argued that Sonko’s return and subsequent election violated parliamentary rules.

Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party and former Prime Minister, was reinstated to his parliamentary seat before being elected president of the National Assembly on May 26. His election had drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures, who labeled the process a “constitutional coup” and argued that his reinstatement violated internal parliamentary regulations.

Opposition claims over parliamentary rules

The opposition contended that Sonko, having already lost his parliamentary mandate, could not legally reclaim it without first resigning as Prime Minister and temporarily serving in the Assembly. Abdou Mbow, an opposition lawmaker, had previously stated, “We will not participate in this charade.”

With the Constitutional Council’s ruling, Sonko remains firmly in his role as Assembly president. This position grants him significant influence, potentially enabling him to act as a counterbalance to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his former ally from whom he has since distanced himself politically.

Sonko’s return to the Assembly followed his dismissal as Prime Minister in April 2024. His party, Pastef, secured 130 out of 165 parliamentary seats in the November 2024 legislative elections, though he initially chose to retain his role as head of government rather than take up his legislative seat.

Political fallout and future implications

The opposition’s legal challenge has now been exhausted, leaving no further recourse to contest Sonko’s position. His continued presence at the helm of the Assembly underscores the shifting dynamics within Senegal’s political landscape, where alliances and power structures are rapidly evolving.