Outside Ousmane Sonko’s residence in the Cité Keur Gorgui district, supporters chanted his name as they gathered to show solidarity with the political leader. Among them, Nourdine Diallo expressed deep disappointment over the recent political rift between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

“We were devastated by the decision to remove him as prime minister. Our campaign slogan ‘Diomaye is Sonko – Sonko is Diomaye’ wasn’t just words—it represented our deepest belief in their partnership. We told every Senegalese voter that these two leaders shared a brotherly bond, a shared vision for the party and the nation.”

Institutional showdown looms

Sonko’s removal as prime minister followed his heated questioning of government policies during a parliamentary session. Now, a high-stakes institutional battle is unfolding. Today’s assembly session will decide two critical matters: reinstating Sonko as a deputy (he had suspended his mandate to serve as prime minister) and electing a new assembly president to replace the recently resigned El Hadj Malick Ndiaye.

Political analyst Malao Kanté warns that Sonko’s potential rise to the assembly presidency could escalate tensions. “Sonko now embodies the face of opposition, but with parliamentary majority control, this shift carries risks. A vote of no confidence against the next prime minister is likely, potentially destabilizing the government’s operations.”

Opposition cries foul over constitutional breach

Adama Fall, a senior figure in the Pastef-Les Patriotes party, urged national unity to prevail over personal ambitions. “History often repeats itself in Africa—think of Blaise Compaoré and Thomas Sankara, Patrice Lumumba, or even Senegal’s Mamadou Dia and Léopold Sédar Senghor. But today’s generation is different. We’re more aware, and history won’t repeat itself in the old way—it will evolve for the better.”

The party is in turmoil as multiple officials resigned in protest over Sonko’s potential reinstatement. Meanwhile, opposition bloc Takuu Walu has challenged El Hadj Malick Ndiaye’s resignation, calling it invalid for violating assembly rules.

Aïssata Tall Sall, opposition parliamentary leader, went further, urging President Faye to refer the matter to the Constitutional Council. She warned that inaction could embolden Sonko to target the presidency itself.

In response, Faye appointed banking sector veteran Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô as the new prime minister. Lô, a former central bank executive and government minister, emphasized the nation’s critical juncture and called for national mobilization.