Ousmane Sonko, newly elected Speaker of Senegal’s National Assembly, has publicly criticized the appointment process of the country’s new prime minister in his first major address since assuming office.
Sonko, leader of the PASTEF, said his party was excluded from consultations that led to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye naming a new head of government, a position Sonko previously held.
“Our political party was not involved in the consultations that led to the appointment of a prime minister. It is not, to this day, involved in the consultations for the formation of a government,” Sonko told lawmakers.
“Consequently, I would like to say that you cannot have Pastef without Pastef,” he added.
President Faye dissolved the cabinet four days earlier following rising political tensions within the governing coalition, including disagreements over economic policy and governance direction.
Sonko described PASTEF as a unique political force operating both within government and opposition spaces simultaneously.
“Pastef… remains open to a responsible discussion that sets egos aside in order to find ways and means for calm, peaceful governance,” he said.
The opposition boycotted the parliamentary session in protest, arguing that Sonko’s return to the National Assembly is unconstitutional, and walked out before his address began.
The latest developments highlight growing friction within Senegal’s ruling coalition as it attempts to manage political expectations and economic challenges following its recent electoral transition.
