Senegal’s ousted prime minister Sonko elected parliament speaker

Ousmane Sonko has been elected Speaker of Senegal’s parliament just days after being removed as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye amid escalating tensions within the country’s ruling leadership.

The dramatic political development marks the latest twist in a growing power struggle between the two former allies, who jointly swept to power in 2024 under the banner of the ruling PASTEF party.

Lawmakers voted overwhelmingly in favour of Mr Sonko, with 132 members of the 165-seat parliament backing his election as Speaker.

The move came shortly after President Faye dissolved the cabinet and dismissed Sonko from his role as prime minister on Friday.

Parliamentarians subsequently reinstated Sonko as a member of parliament before elevating him to the influential parliamentary leadership position.

Political analysts say the outcome reflects growing divisions within Senegal’s ruling establishment and could significantly complicate President Faye’s legislative agenda.

Speaking after his election, Mr Sonko sought to ease concerns that his new role would be used to directly undermine the presidency.

“We are not here to fight against the president of the republic, but the assembly will fully play its role,” he told lawmakers while accepting the position.

However, analysts believe the parliamentary speaker role gives Sonko substantial influence over legislative proceedings and could allow him to challenge or delay government initiatives.

According to political risk analyst Greg Musiker of Signal Risk, the position gives Sonko significant leverage within Senegal’s political system.

The growing tensions between President Faye and Sonko are reportedly rooted in disagreements over economic reforms, governance authority, and how to address Senegal’s worsening debt crisis.

The dispute has also intensified uncertainty surrounding Senegal’s negotiations with the International Monetary Fund and international creditors.

Before the cabinet dissolution, Senegal had been preparing to resume discussions with the IMF next month regarding a new lending programme.

International investors reacted nervously to Sonko’s removal as prime minister, with investment bank Morgan Stanley warning that the political turmoil could increase the risk of Senegal defaulting on its debt obligations.

Senegalese government bonds reportedly fell sharply following the latest political developments.

Sonko has previously been critical of IMF-backed economic measures and has openly opposed debt restructuring proposals.

President Faye has now appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, a seasoned economist and former regional central bank official, as the country’s new prime minister.

Speaking on Tuesday, Sonko acknowledged policy disagreements with Mr Lo, particularly on economic management and debt policy.

“I must be truthful and say that we have some differences,” Sonko stated.

“Notably on monetary policy, debt management and other similar issues,” he added.

Analysts say the disagreement could affect Senegal’s approach to fiscal reforms, borrowing strategy, and ongoing discussions with international lenders.

Despite the political tensions, Sonko described the unfolding developments as an important test for Senegal’s democratic institutions.

“Senegal must show Africa that a political crisis can be faced without hatred, without violence and without institutional collapse,” he said.

“We must prove that an African people can debate firmly without destroying its own state.”

Senegal has long been regarded as one of West Africa’s more stable democracies, and observers are closely monitoring how the political rivalry between the country’s top leaders evolves in the coming months.