Sonko Wins 130-Seat-Backed Senegal Speakership After Faye Ousts Him as Prime Minister
Updated
Updated · FRANCE 24 English · May 26
Sonko Wins 130-Seat-Backed Senegal Speakership After Faye Ousts Him as Prime Minister
11 articles · Updated · FRANCE 24 English · May 26
Senegal's National Assembly on Tuesday reinstated Ousmane Sonko as a lawmaker and elected him speaker, returning the ousted prime minister to the state's No. 2 institutional post days after his dismissal.
130 of 165 deputies belong to the ruling Pastef party, giving Sonko a strong parliamentary base after ally El Malick Ndiaye resigned the speakership to clear the way.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had sacked Sonko on Friday, dissolved the government and on Monday named former regional central bank official Ahmadou Al Aminou as prime minister.
The rupture reflects a deeper split over how to handle Senegal's debt burden—put at 132% of GDP—and whether to seek a new IMF programme after a $1.8 billion aid deal was suspended.
Opposition leader Aissata Tall Sall called Sonko's elevation an "institutional coup," underscoring how the clash between the former allies is widening Senegal's political crisis.
Will Senegal's top court side with the president, blocking the popular ex-PM from his powerful new parliamentary role?
As Senegal's top leaders become rivals, can its fragile democracy and debt-ridden economy survive the political fallout?
From Prime Minister to Speaker: Ousmane Sonko’s 2026 Rise and Senegal’s Political Crisis
Overview
Between May 22 and May 25, 2026, Senegal faced a sudden political crisis when President Faye dismissed Prime Minister Sonko and dissolved the cabinet, just as billions in hidden debt were discovered. This move highlighted the strong influence of Sonko’s Pastef party, which controls the National Assembly and could block key reforms needed for IMF support. The public quickly reacted, showing strong support for Sonko. As Sonko became Speaker, the balance of power shifted, creating uncertainty about the government’s ability to manage its debt and pass crucial economic reforms.