PressBridge

Former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has been elected Speaker of the National Assembly just days after being dismissed from office by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, deepening political tensions at the highest level of the West African nation.

The development marks a dramatic new chapter in the growing rift between the two longtime allies, whose relationship has steadily deteriorated in recent months. Sonko, a dominant figure within the ruling Pastef party and one of Senegal’s most influential politicians, secured the parliamentary post after the previous Speaker resigned on Sunday to pave the way for his appointment.

On Monday, President Faye named economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as the country’s new prime minister, replacing Sonko following his abrupt dismissal on Friday.

The political fallout comes amid disagreements over the government’s handling of Senegal’s mounting debt crisis. Sonko had increasingly criticized President Faye’s economic approach, particularly regarding fiscal policies and relations with international financial institutions.

Addressing supporters after his election, Sonko insisted his new position would not be used to wage political battles, stating that parliament must prioritize the interests of Senegalese citizens. At the same time, he made clear that his removal from government does not signal the end of his political ambitions.

Analysts believe Sonko’s appointment as Speaker — the second most powerful institutional role in Senegal — could significantly constrain President Faye’s room for political maneuvering, especially if parliamentary backing for government reforms weakens.

Under Senegalese law, the president cannot dissolve parliament until two years after the last legislative election, meaning lawmakers’ mandates remain protected until at least November. This limits the executive’s ability to force an early political reset.

The widening divide between Faye and Sonko has heightened uncertainty in Senegal, a country already grappling with severe debt pressures and a history of political rivalry. Public debt is estimated at roughly 132% of gross domestic product, fueling tensions within the ruling leadership over how to manage the economy.

While Sonko welcomed the appointment of Prime Minister Lo, he acknowledged lingering disagreements with the new government leadership on monetary and debt-related issues. President Faye and Lo are widely viewed as more open to austerity measures and economic reforms supported by the International Monetary Fund.

Sonko remains a highly popular figure, particularly among Senegalese youth and supporters of the Pastef movement. Known for his confrontational political style, he previously built his reputation by fiercely opposing the administration of former President Macky Sall.

Many observers believe Sonko would likely have won the presidency himself in 2024 had he not been barred from contesting the election because of a defamation conviction. Instead, he backed Faye’s successful presidential bid, helping propel his ally to power before their alliance eventually fractured.