Sonko Elected Senegal Parliament Speaker After PM Ouster

Senegal's former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has been elected Speaker of the National Assembly just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him as PM. The dramatic shift positions Sonko, 51, as the second-highest political office in Senegal.

Sonko's party, African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), controls a majority of seats in parliament. The ex-Speaker stepped down Sunday for Sonko, who promised not to use his new position to fight against anyone, stating 'What is at stake is the relationship between morality and politics.'

Meanwhile, President Faye appointed 60-year-old economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as the new Prime Minister. Lo is a former head of the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO). As Speaker, Sonko now holds significant influence to potentially hinder Faye's policies in the legislature.

How will this power shift affect your perspective on political alliances in West African democracies?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/27/ousted-senegal-prime-minister-sonko-elected-parliament-speaker/