Senegal's lawmakers pick ousted prime minister Sonko as speaker
AP News • • world
Key Points:
- Senegal’s National Assembly elected ousted Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as parliament speaker, defying President Bassirou Diomaye Faye who had recently fired him, raising the risk of political deadlock amid the country’s record debt crisis.
- Sonko’s dismissal, along with other ministers, followed months of escalating tensions between him and President Faye, who has since appointed a new prime minister and is expected to announce a new cabinet soon.
- The former allies, who came to power after the March 2024 presidential election promising reforms, have clashed on key issues including IMF loan negotiations, highlighting deepening divisions within the ruling party Pastef.
- As parliament speaker, Sonko gains significant legislative powers that could challenge President Faye’s authority, although Sonko has pledged to hold the government accountable without pursuing personal vendettas.
- Pastef holds a strong parliamentary majority with 130 of 165 seats, positioning Sonko, the party leader, to potentially confront and influence the president’s agenda.