Just four days after being removed from his post as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been elected to lead Senegal’s National Assembly.

The parliamentary session unfolded amid political tensions, with opposition lawmakers boycotting the proceedings. Critics condemned the move as a constitutional coup, escalating the already strained relations between Sonko and the Head of State.

Despite growing divisions within their party, Pastef, both Sonko and President Faye share its ideology. The party’s overwhelming majority—130 out of 165 seats—secured Sonko’s victory, demonstrating its dominance in the legislature.

His election to the Assembly’s presidency marks a dramatic resurgence in his political career. As results were announced, lawmakers from Pastef erupted in applause, celebrating his return to center stage.

Ousmane Sonko now replaces El Malick Ndiaye, who stepped down from the role on Sunday.