Ousmane Sonko Chooses to Remain Prime Minister in Senegal

A Key Decision After Election Victory

Ousmane Sonko, a major figure in Senegalese politics, announced on Monday his choice to remain prime minister, ending speculation about his possible assumption of office as president of the National Assembly. This decision comes after the recent victories of his party, Pastef , in the presidential and legislative elections.

A Renunciation of the Post of Deputy

During the installation of the new National Assembly, Mr. Sonko confirmed that he was giving up the seat of deputy that he had obtained during the legislative elections of November 17, 2024.

• Public statement: “I am staying in the Prime Minister’s office. I have submitted my letter of resignation as a deputy. We have started important work, and the president needs me at his side to continue this work,” he said.
• Designated replacement: Under the rules of proportional representation, his parliamentary seat will be occupied by the next person on the Pastef list.

Strengthened Leadership within Government

Mr. Sonko was appointed Prime Minister in April 2024, after the victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye , his right-hand man, in the presidential election. Architect of this success, Sonko is seen as a strategic figure who allowed Pastef to also win the legislative elections, obtaining 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly.

Speculations on its role within institutions

Sonko’s retention as prime minister extinguishes a debate that had intensified during the legislative campaign. Some observers advocated for him to become president of the Assembly in order to secure a strategic institutional position and limit the risks of a possible conflict at the top of the executive.

• Arguments put forward: The presidency of the Assembly could have offered a political counterweight to a supported, but potentially independent, president.
• A pragmatic choice: By remaining in the Prime Minister’s office, Sonko is demonstrating a desire for cohesion with the president and an objective of continuity in the implementation of government priorities.

Conclusion

Ousmane Sonko’s choice to retain his position as Prime Minister strengthens his influence in the Senegalese executive and underlines his central role in Pastef’s political strategy. This positioning allows him to continue to play a key role in governance, while easing potential tensions within institutions. Senegal is thus entering a political phase where the balance between powers will be crucial for the stability of the country.