Despite rumors, Senegal’s Prime Minister Vows he would Stay in his Position

Ousmane Sonko, the prime minister of Senegal, announced Monday that he will remain in his position rather than assume the position of president of the national assembly. The ruling Pastef party, led by President Bassirou Dio-maye Faye and Sonko, won 130 out of 165 seats in the national assembly on November 17, which is in line with his party’s result in the most recent snap legislative elections.

One of the biggest majorities ever achieved by a single party in the West African country, the result sparked debate on whether Sonko ought to resign as prime minister in order to take charge of the national legislature for the sake of institutional balance.

Some have advocated that Sonko should serve as the head of parliament to prevent potential conflicts that might occur in an executive branch where the president owed his position to the prime minister.

Sonko, a highly influential figure, has led the administration since it assumed office in April and was instrumental in helping President Faye win the election in March.

“The prime minister’s office is where I’m staying. Just before the new group of legislators was scheduled to enter the parliament, Sonko stated in the national assembly, “I had come to submit my letter of resignation as an MP.