Senegal faces institutional crisis over parliament speaker appointment

Senegal is experiencing a deep political standoff after President Macky Sall issued a decree that led to the dismissal of the prime minister, while former prime minister Ousmane Sonko, who also leads the Pastef party, used his parliamentary majority to reclaim a seat in the National Assembly and was subsequently elected its speaker. Constitutional experts disagree over whether Sonko’s prior ministerial role automatically forfeited his parliamentary mandate, leaving the legality of his election unresolved. No official response has yet been issued by the presidency or the constitutional council, raising concerns that legislation passed by a contested assembly could be invalidated.

The wave of resignations, including the former speaker’s departure, has drawn regional attention, with commentators noting historical parallels in Gabon where similar power‑reconfiguration attempts failed. Observers warn that the unresolved legal dispute could undermine democratic controls and stability in Senegal.