Senegal’s ousted prime minister Sonko elected parliament speaker days after dismissal

Sonko, who was dismissed on Friday, was backed by 132 lawmakers in Senegal’s 165-member National Assembly, signalling strong parliamentary resistance to Faye’s decision to dissolve the cabinet.

His return to a powerful institutional role could give him a platform to challenge the president’s legislative agenda, although Sonko sought to play down the prospect of an open confrontation.

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

Former allies locked in power struggle

The move marks a dramatic escalation in the power struggle between Faye and Sonko, two former allies and senior figures in the ruling PASTEF party.

The pair swept to power together in 2024, but their relationship has deteriorated over questions of authority, policy direction and how Senegal should handle its worsening debt crisis.

As speaker of parliament, Sonko is now in a position to influence — or potentially obstruct — the government’s legislative programme.

President Faye has appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, a seasoned economist and former regional central bank official, to replace Sonko as prime minister.

IMF talks face new uncertainty

Sonko’s return to a major political post comes at a sensitive moment for Senegal’s economy.

Before the cabinet was dissolved, the country had been expected to resume talks with the International Monetary Fund next month over a new lending programme.

Sonko has been a vocal critic of the IMF and had opposed any restructuring of Senegal’s debt. Lo’s position on the issue is not yet clear.

“I must be truthful and say that we have some differences,” Sonko said, referring to Lo. “Notably on monetary policy, debt management and other similar issues.”

International investors have already reacted nervously. Investment bank Morgan Stanley warned that Sonko’s removal as prime minister could lead markets to price in a higher risk of Senegal defaulting on its debt, while the country’s bonds fell sharply.

Sonko calls crisis a test of democracy

Sonko framed the latest political developments as a test of Senegal’s democratic institutions, urging the country to manage the crisis without violence or institutional breakdown.

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

He added that Senegal must prove that political debate in Africa can remain firm without damaging the state itself.

The election of Sonko as speaker leaves Senegal entering a new phase of political uncertainty, with the president and his former prime minister now occupying rival centres of power at a time when the country is trying to restore investor confidence and secure support from international creditors.