DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — In a direct challenge to presidential authority, Senegal’s National Assembly chose dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as parliament speaker on Tuesday, just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from office. The move raises concerns about potential political gridlock in the West African nation as it struggles with unprecedented debt levels.
Last week, the president dismissed Sonko along with the entire cabinet after months of growing friction between the two leaders whose once-strong alliance had propelled them to power. The dismissal prompted the previous parliament speaker to step down. On Monday, the president appointed a replacement prime minister and plans to unveil a new cabinet soon.
Both leaders assumed their positions after winning the March 2024 presidential race, pledging sweeping changes including anti-corruption efforts, job creation for the nation’s expanding youth demographic, and better utilization of natural resources for national benefit.
However, the former partners have publicly clashed over major policy decisions in recent months, particularly regarding discussions with the International Monetary Fund about potential lending arrangements.
In his new position as speaker, Sonko will wield significant influence over legislative priorities, government oversight, and bill introduction — authority that could create direct confrontation with his former boss, according to Babacar Ndiaye, a political analyst at the Senegal-based Wathi think tank.
While Sonko pledged not to exploit his parliamentary role for personal vendettas against the president, he vowed to maintain strict government oversight and utilize all available constitutional mechanisms to fulfill that responsibility.
The two politicians previously worked together within the Pastef party, which maintains commanding control of parliament with 130 seats out of 165 total. As party leader, Sonko maintains the potential to undermine the president’s governing agenda.
The political drama unfolds as Senegal confronts escalating financial difficulties and increasing living costs. The nation ranks among Africa’s most debt-burdened countries by GDP ratio, following a government review last year that uncovered $13 billion in previously undisclosed obligations from the former government.
