Just four days after his removal from the Prime Minister’s office by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has been elected President of Senegal’s National Assembly.

The parliamentary session, boycotted by opposition lawmakers, unfolded amid heightened political tensions. Critics condemned the move as a constitutional coup, questioning its legitimacy and adherence to democratic norms.

Despite recent rifts between Sonko and the Head of State—both members of the Pastef party—Sonko secured overwhelming support from his party’s parliamentary bloc. With 130 of the 165 seats in the chamber, the Pastef majority ensured his swift election to the top legislative role.

This victory marks Sonko’s resurgence in Senegal’s political landscape. As the results were announced, lawmakers from his party erupted in applause, celebrating his new position at the helm of the Assembly.

Sonko takes over from El Malick Ndiaye, who resigned from the post on Sunday.