Ousmane Sonko slams legal challenge against his parliamentary return as a political maneuver

The president of the PASTEF party, Ousmane Sonko, has voiced strong opposition to a legal challenge launched by opposition and non-aligned lawmakers aimed at blocking his return to the National Assembly. The leader of the parliamentary majority characterizes this move as a calculated political tactic designed to obstruct his progress.

Accusations of institutional manipulation

Speaking to the media, Ousmane Sonko condemned what he describes as orchestrated schemes by his political rivals. He stated that those who filed the petition are fully aware that the Constitutional Council does not have the jurisdiction to decide on this matter. According to him, the referral is simply another chapter in a series of plots and maneuvers intended to destabilize his position.

The former head of government also used the platform to issue a stern warning to his detractors. He cautioned against the evident instrumentalization of state institutions for narrow political objectives, emphasizing that such actions undermine the integrity of the nation’s governance.

The legal battle over Article 54

At the center of this judicial confrontation is Article 54 of the Constitution. A group of legislators announced on June 1, 2026, that they had petitioned the high court to strike down the May 24 decision made by the Bureau of the National Assembly, which officially reinstated Ousmane Sonko as a deputy.

The contesting deputies argue that this reinstatement violates constitutional law. They contend that Ousmane Sonko, who was appointed Prime Minister and subsequently elected as a deputy in 2024, was in a state of incompatibility from the moment of his election. In response to this legal offensive, Sonko remained firm and defiant, declaring that if state power is used to fight his camp, they will utilize every legal avenue provided by the Constitution to defend themselves.