Senegal: Prime Minister Sonko Announces He Will Not Take Parliamentary Seat Following Macky Sall’s Renouncement

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has officially announced his decision to remain in the Prime Minister’s office rather than take up a seat in the National Assembly.

Despite his election in the November 17 legislative elections, Sonko did not join the 165 newly elected deputies of the 15th legislature when they officially convene on December 2, 2024.

Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, confirmed his decision in a statement on Monday, emphasising his commitment to his role as head of the government.

He also expressed his belief that President Bassirou Faye needed him by his side to continue advancing the country’s reforms.

“I am staying in the Prime Minister’s office and I wish the elected deputies a successful mandate,” Sonko said.

President Faye, upon his inauguration in April, appointed Sonko as prime minister. In September, the government dissolved the opposition-led parliament and set November 17  for new elections to seek a legislative majority to deliver on campaign promises, including improving accountability.

Sonko also announced plans to introduce new public policy guidelines. He said there would be zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to investigate the “widespread corruption” perpetuated by former President Macky Sall.

Sonko’s announcement comes two days after Sall, also elected as a Member of Parliament, renounced his seat. This follows Sonko’s party securing a majority with 1.9 million votes (54.9 per cent) and winning 130 of the 165 seats, while Sall’s party claimed second place with 531,466 votes (14.67 per cent), winning 16 seats.

Meanwhile, political analysts, according to Maliweb, believe Sall’s participation in the elections was aimed at limiting the ruling party’s power in parliament.

Read: Malian Customs Seize 45.3 kg of Indian Hemp in Major Drug Bust

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