Ousmane Sonko was elected to lead the PASTEF party in Senegal’s parliament following his recent dismissal as prime minister [1, 2].
The move signals a deepening political rift between the presidency and the legislative body. This power struggle emerges as Sonko seeks a new base of influence after his removal from the executive branch [2, 3].
Sonko previously served as prime minister under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before being fired in May 2026 [2, 3]. The fallout between the two leaders has created a divide between the presidency and the parliamentary majority, which is controlled by the PASTEF party [2, 3].
The transition in parliamentary leadership followed the departure of El Malick Ndiaye. Ndiaye, the Speaker of Senegal's parliament, stepped down from his position [2].
Regarding his decision to leave the post, Ndiaye said "deep reflection" and a "sense of duty" were the reasons for his resignation [2].
Sonko now leads the party within the National Assembly in Dakar [1, 2]. His return to a position of legislative authority allows him to challenge the administration's direction from within the parliament, a move that complicates President Faye's ability to govern with a unified party front [2, 3].
“Ousmane Sonko was elected to lead the PASTEF party in Senegal’s parliament”
The shift of Ousmane Sonko from the executive office to the leadership of the parliamentary majority creates a structural conflict within the Senegalese government. By controlling the legislative agenda through PASTEF, Sonko can potentially obstruct or dictate the terms of President Faye's policy goals, transforming a personal falling-out into a systemic legislative deadlock.
