The Front pour la Défense de la République (FDR) has issued a formal demand for the removal of Ousmane Sonko from the Assemblée nationale, labeling his continued presence as both illegal and illegitimate.

The coalition, led by Khalifa Sall, bases its argument on the constitutional provision that a minister elected as a deputy must resign from government within eight days or forfeit their parliamentary mandate. They assert that the PASTEF party attempted to bypass this rule by amending the Assembly’s internal regulations—a move the FDR condemns as unconstitutional on multiple fronts.

According to the FDR, PASTEF’s modifications introduced the concept of ‘deputy alternates,’ a provision not recognized in Senegalese law outside of specific electoral systems. The coalition argues that these changes violate Article 54 of the Constitution, which mandates that such legal adjustments be made through an organic law in the Electoral Code—not concealed within internal Assembly procedures. The FDR further contends that the Assembly’s regulations are strictly procedural and cannot override constitutional or electoral laws.

The FDR also highlighted its support for a joint declaration signed by 147 political parties and movements on May 24, opposing what they describe as a ‘parliamentary coup attempt’ by PASTEF. The coalition praised opposition lawmakers for referring the matter to the Constitutional Council, reinforcing their call for strict adherence to legal frameworks.

In a rallying cry to national stakeholders, the FDR urged citizens and institutions to unite behind a ‘battle plan’ to uphold the Republic’s laws and restore constitutional order.