By: Abdoulie John
In a stunning political twist, opposition firebrand and Pastef Leader Ousmane Sonko is set to reclaim his seat in Senegal’s National Assembly, positioning him as a potential second-in-command just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye effectively sacked him from government.
National Assembly member Cheikh Barra Ndiaye announced on Facebook that the Bureau of the House convened on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and formally approved Sonko’s request for reinstatement, allowing the PASTEF leader to resume his term as a deputy.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Sonko and President Faye, whose once-close alliance now appears fractured. On Friday, President Faye dismissed Sonko, triggering the de facto dissolution of the government and sparking intense behind-the-scenes consultations. Sources indicate that Faye is actively seeking to collaborate with figures from previous regimes to stabilize the political landscape.
Adding to the drama, National Assembly Speaker Malick Ndiaye has tendered his resignation as president of the chamber, while retaining his seat as an ordinary member. The Bureau has acknowledged the resignation.
The Conference of Presidents met urgently and scheduled the election of a new President of the National Assembly for Tuesday, May 26. Political observers widely expect Sonko to emerge as the frontrunner. If successful, he would become the country’s second-highest-ranking official under the state protocol hierarchy.
The developments highlight the deepening duality between the two men who swept into power on a wave of anti-establishment sentiment. Sonko, long a vocal critic of the political elite, now finds himself at the center of a power struggle that could reshape Senegal’s governance.
As the nation braces for Tuesday’s vote, analysts warn that the outcome could either heal rifts within the ruling coalition or accelerate a full-blown political crisis. With Sonko’s reinstatement gaining momentum, all eyes are on the National Assembly as Senegal navigates this turbulent new chapter.
