Senegal PM Says Will Remain Head Of Govt After Speculation

Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed on Monday that he would remain in his current role as head of government, dismissing speculation that he might step down to lead the national assembly after his party’s decisive victory in recent parliamentary elections.

Sonko’s party, the ruling Pastef party, secured 130 out of 165 seats in the national assembly in the snap elections held on November 17. This overwhelming win marked one of the largest majorities ever achieved by a single party in Senegal, sparking discussions about whether Sonko should shift his focus to the presidency of the assembly to maintain institutional balance between the executive and legislative branches.

Some had suggested that Sonko should take up the parliamentary role to prevent any potential conflict, given his central role in helping President Bassirou Diomaye Faye win the presidential election in March. Sonko has been serving as prime minister since April, when the new government was formed.

However, in a statement to the national assembly, Sonko put the rumors to rest. “I am staying in the prime minister’s office. I had initially come to submit my resignation letter as an MP,” he said, addressing the assembly just before the new lawmakers took their seats. “We have started work at the prime minister’s office, and the president needs me by his side. We will continue this important work.”

As Sonko confirmed his decision to stay on as prime minister, the new president of the national assembly was elected. Malick Ndiaye, a close ally of Sonko and the current Minister of Transport, was chosen to lead the assembly.

With Pastef’s commanding victory in the parliamentary elections, Senegal’s leadership now has a strong mandate to push forward with their reform agenda. The country faces significant challenges, including high inflation and widespread unemployment, making the new government’s ability to act swiftly and decisively even more crucial.