Senegal’s former prime minister, Sonko, has been elected as the speaker of parliament
Senegal’s parliament on Tuesday elected Ousmane Sonko as its speaker, just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed him from his position as prime minister. This decision comes amid an escalating conflict regarding the government’s reform agenda and the approach to addressing a deteriorating debt crisis.
Political analysts indicated that the speaker position might provide the former premier, recently ousted on Friday, an opportunity to contest Faye, although Sonko sought to minimize that possibility. “We are not here to oppose the president of the republic, but the assembly will fully fulfill its role,” Sonko stated to lawmakers as he embraced the new position.
International investors are expected to factor in an increased risk of Senegal defaulting on its debt after Sonko’s removal as prime minister, investment bank Morgan Stanley cautioned on Tuesday, as the country’s bonds experienced a significant decline.
Lawmakers opposed Faye’s choice to dissolve the cabinet and dismiss Sonko by reinstating him as a member of parliament and strongly supporting him as speaker, garnering the backing of 132 lawmakers in the 165-member assembly.
The opposition characterized the maneuver as a scandal and raised concerns about its legality.
A conflict of dominance between once-cooperative partners
According to Signal Risk analyst Greg Musiker, as parliamentary speaker, Sonko will have considerable authority to obstruct Faye’s legislative agenda.
The two former allies, both prominent members of the ruling PASTEF party, have been embroiled in a rapidly evolving struggle for control since they ascended to power together in 2024. Their discord has arisen over policy differences, issues of authority, and the trajectory of Senegal’s reform agenda.
Faye appointed Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, an experienced economist and former regional central bank official, to take over for Sonko late on Monday.
Sonko, a vocal critic of the International Monetary Fund, has opposed any restructuring of Senegal’s debt, while Lo’s views on the subject remain unclear.
Sonko’s return to a significant political position intensifies the uncertainty surrounding the government’s strategy in negotiations with the IMF and Senegal’s creditors. “I must be truthful and say that we have some differences,” Sonko stated, referring to Lo. “Notably on monetary policy, debt management, and other similar issues.
Prior to the dissolution of the cabinet last week, Senegal anticipated resuming discussions with the IMF regarding a new lending program next month.
Sonko stated on Tuesday that the recent political developments serve as a test for the democracy of the West African nation. “Senegal must demonstrate to Africa that a political crisis can be addressed without hatred, violence, or institutional collapse. “We must demonstrate that an African people can engage in robust debate without undermining their own state,” he stated.
