A group of opposition deputies has formally petitioned the Constitutional Council to challenge the legality of Ousmane Sonko’s reinstatement as a member of parliament. Their move comes in response to a controversial decision by the National Assembly Bureau on May 24, 2026, which restored his mandate despite ongoing constitutional concerns.
The opposition lawmakers argue that Sonko’s reinstatement violates the Senegalese Constitution, particularly Article 54, which prohibits the simultaneous holding of ministerial and parliamentary positions. They emphasize that this decision undermines the separation of powers and disrupts the regular functioning of the legislature.
Constitutional violations alleged
The deputies contend that Sonko’s case represents a flagrant breach of constitutional principles. As a former Prime Minister and elected MP in 2024, Sonko’s initial assumption of both roles triggered a conflict of interest under the Constitution. His refusal to resign from his government post at the time meant he forfeited his parliamentary seat—a mandate that, according to the opposition, cannot be lawfully reinstated.
Following his reinstatement, Sonko’s election as President of the National Assembly on May 26, 2026, further intensified the controversy. Opposition figures describe this sequence of events as an unprecedented abuse of institutional power, one that calls for immediate judicial intervention.
Legal obstacles and democratic concerns
In a striking move, the opposition deputies revealed that they were forced to obtain court summons through a bailiff to access critical documents—namely the reinstatement decree and the official minutes of the May 26 plenary session. Despite formal requests, the Secretary-General and First Vice-President of the National Assembly refused to release these public records. This obstruction, they argue, constitutes a grave violation of parliamentary transparency and the rights of elected representatives.
The opposition coalition has called on the Constitutional Council to intervene decisively, asserting that only the Council can rectify this constitutional breach and restore the integrity of Senegal’s democratic institutions. They reaffirmed their commitment to defending the Constitution through peaceful, lawful means, stressing that no parliamentary majority is above the rule of law.
List of signatory deputies
The opposition’s petition was signed by the following legislators:
- Daouda Dia
- Aïssata Ousmane Diallo
- Amadou Diallo
- Raqui Diallo
- Mamadou Diaw
- Salimata Diop Dieng
- Mbaye Dione
- Thérèse Faye
- Barane Fofana
- Cheikh Omar Hann
- Birima Mangara
- Abdou Mbow
- Fabineta Ndiaye
- Anta Babacar Ngom
- Thierno Alassane Sall
- Maguette Sène
- Abdoulaye Sylla
- Tafsir Thioye