The Front pour la Défense de la Démocratie et de la République (FDR) has formally requested the exclusion of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from the National Assembly, arguing that his continued presence in parliament violates existing legal provisions. In a strongly worded statement released on June 3, 2026, the coalition declared Sonko’s situation “illegal and illegitimate,” emphasizing that current laws prevent ministers from simultaneously serving as deputies without resigning from government.

Coalition mobilizes against what it calls ‘parliamentary coup’

The FDR coalition has accused authorities of orchestrating a “parliamentary coup” through procedural maneuvers that allegedly circumvent constitutional requirements. The group points to Article LO172 of the Electoral Code, which stipulates that ministers elected as deputies must resign from their ministerial positions within eight days of taking office. The coalition argues that recent amendments to the Assembly’s internal regulations cannot override these constitutional and legislative provisions.

The FDR maintains that the process enabling Sonko’s return to parliament constitutes a direct violation of the Constitution, Electoral Code and parliamentary rules of procedure. The coalition is demanding that the “illegal act” be reversed and that the Prime Minister be immediately withdrawn from the Assembly.

The opposition group has also called on civil society and national stakeholders to rally in defense of constitutional principles and institutional integrity.

This latest development deepens the ongoing legal and political debate surrounding Ousmane Sonko’s parliamentary mandate, which has dominated discussions in Senegal’s political landscape.