Senegal prime minister Ousmane Sonko to remain in role despite speculation

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, announced on Monday that he would continue in his role rather than take on the presidency of the national assembly.

This decision comes after his party, Pastef, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Sonko, secured a landslide victory in the November 17 snap parliamentary elections, winning 130 out of 165 seats.

The unprecedented majority fueled speculation that Sonko might step down as prime minister to lead the national assembly and ensure institutional balance.

Critics argued that having Sonko in parliament could prevent potential conflicts in an executive where the president owes his position to the prime minister.

Sonko, however, dismissed these concerns, emphasizing his commitment to his current responsibilities. “I’m staying on at the prime minister’s office. The president needs me by his side.

We are continuing this work,” he stated at the national assembly after submitting his resignation as a member of parliament.

With Sonko staying as head of government, Malick Ndiaye, the minister of transport and a close ally, was elected as the new national assembly president.

Pastef’s overwhelming victory grants Senegal’s leadership a robust mandate to implement their reform agenda, addressing challenges such as high inflation and unemployment.

Sonko’s decision ensures continuity in governance as the administration tackles these pressing issues.