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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
World
RFI

Ousted PM Sonko returns to centre stage as Senegal's parliamentary speaker

Former Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko (C) take his seat as Speaker of Senegal National Assembly on 26 May 2026, at the National Assembly in Dakar. Senegal's National Assembly elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko its speaker Tuesday in a vote boycotted by opposition, following months of tension that culminated last week in the firebrand's sacking.
Former Senegal Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko (C) take his seat as Speaker of Senegal National Assembly on 26 May 2026, at the National Assembly in Dakar. Senegal's National Assembly elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko its speaker Tuesday in a vote boycotted by opposition, following months of tension that culminated last week in the firebrand's sacking. AFP - SEYLLOU

Senegal’s National Assembly has elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as its speaker, handing the firebrand politician a powerful new platform just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed him from government.

The vote on Tuesday was boycotted by opposition lawmakers, who have said Sonko’s return to parliament is illegal and accused the ruling majority of forcing through what they called an “institutional coup”.

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