Just four days after his dismissal as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko was elected to lead the Senegalese National Assembly on Tuesday.
The parliamentary session unfolded amid palpable political tensions, notably marked by a boycott from opposition deputies. These opposition figures vehemently condemned the proceedings, labeling them a “constitutional coup d’état.”
Despite recent public differences between Ousmane Sonko and the head of state, both prominent members of the Pastef party, the former Prime Minister garnered overwhelming support from his party’s parliamentarians. Pastef holds a significant majority within the legislative body, commanding 130 of the 165 available seats.
His elevation to the presidency of this key legislative institution signals a powerful return to the forefront of Sénégal’s political landscape. Upon the announcement of the results, he received a warm ovation from the Pastef deputies present.
Ousmane Sonko assumes this new role, succeeding El Malick Ndiaye, who tendered his resignation on Sunday.
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