Sénégambian opposition challenges sonko’s parliamentary reinstatement

Opposition lawmakers in the Sénégal National Assembly have formally petitioned the Constitutional Council, seeking to invalidate the recent decision to reinstate Ousmane Sonko as a deputy. The move, announced in a joint statement, accuses the Assembly Bureau of overstepping constitutional boundaries and undermines the integrity of parliamentary procedures.

The opposition contends that Mr. Sonko’s reinstatement violates the Sénégal Constitution, particularly Article 54, which prohibits holding both executive and legislative mandates simultaneously. They argue that his prior acceptance of a Prime Ministerial role in 2024 automatically forfeited his parliamentary seat, and that any subsequent reinstatement is legally untenable. The group emphasizes that the Bureau’s decision to reassign him as a deputy—and later elect him as Assembly President—represents a blatant disregard for constitutional principles, including the separation of powers.

The petitioners allege that accessing critical documents to support their case proved challenging. Despite formal summons through a bailiff, officials at the National Assembly withheld essential records, including the reinstatement decree and the May 26, 2026 plenary session minutes. This refusal, they argue, obstructs transparency and infringes on the rights of elected representatives to scrutinize institutional decisions.

The opposition coalition has urged the Constitutional Council to intervene decisively, describing the Bureau’s actions as an attempt to manipulate parliamentary functions. In their statement, they reaffirm their commitment to defending the Constitution through legal and peaceful means, asserting that no majority—regardless of its size—should be above the rule of law. The signatories include prominent figures such as Daouda Dia, Aïssata Ousmane Diallo, Amadou Diallo, and several others, who collectively call for the restoration of democratic norms in Sénégal.