Senegal parliament elects ousted prime minister Sonko as speaker
Senegal's parliament has elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as speaker, providing him a significant platform to oppose President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This election follows Faye's recent dismissal of Sonko and the dissolution of the cabinet amid a debt crisis. The opposition has criticized the decision, labeling it a scandal and questioning its legitimacy.
- ▪Ousmane Sonko was elected as speaker of Senegal's parliament with 132 votes in favor.
- ▪President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Sonko and dissolved the cabinet just days before the election.
- ▪The opposition has condemned the election of Sonko, calling it a scandal and a dark day for the National Assembly.
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Senegal parliament elects ousted prime minister Sonko as speakerSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxFILE PHOTO: Senegal's Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of the ruling party PASTEF (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity) speaks during a political rally in Dakar, Senegal, November 8, 2025. REUTERS/Anait Miridzhanian/File PhotoPublished May 26, 2026, 07:19 PMUpdated May 26, 2026, 07:19 PMDAKAR, May 26 - Senegal's parliament elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as speaker on Tuesday, a move that could give him a powerful platform to challenge President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.Faye dismissed Sonko on Friday and dissolved the cabinet, ending months of speculation about a growing rift between the two over how to handle the country's debt crisis.The…
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