The leader of Senegal’s PASTEF party, Ousmane Sonko, has strongly criticized a recent move by opposition and independent lawmakers to challenge his reinstatement as a member of parliament. Speaking to the press, he framed the constitutional appeal as a deliberate political tactic designed to obstruct his path back to the National Assembly.
political opponents accused of orchestrating legal maneuvers
Sonko did not mince his words, accusing his adversaries of engaging in underhanded schemes to undermine his mandate. « Their actions are nothing short of calculated conspiracies, » he declared, pointing to the constitutional council filing as evidence of their orchestrated effort. « Those behind this lawsuit were fully aware that the council lacks jurisdiction over this matter. »
In a broader warning, the former prime minister cautioned that opponents were weaponizing state institutions for partisan gain, calling the move a blatant abuse of legal processes.
legal battle centers on parliamentary eligibility
The controversy stems from a June 2026 statement by a group of legislators who argued that Sonko’s reinstatement on May 24 contradicted constitutional provisions. They claimed that his 2024 election as a deputy was invalid because he had simultaneously held the position of Prime Minister, creating an irreconcilable conflict of interest.
Sonko responded with a firm and uncompromising stance, declaring that any attempt to use state power against him would meet a proportional legal response. « If they employ the machinery of the state to attack us, we will invoke every constitutional right at our disposal to defend ourselves, » he asserted.