Senegal opposition condemns "black day" as ousted PM returns to power

Senegal’s parliament elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as speaker, a move that could give him a powerful platform to challenge President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Reuters reports.

Faye dismissed Sonko on May 22 and dissolved the cabinet, ending months of speculation about a growing rift between the two over how to handle the country’s debt crisis.

The decision has heightened uncertainty over how the government will manage its loan repayments after the discovery of billions in unreported debt.

In a parliamentary vote, lawmakers reinstated Sonko as a member of the assembly and elected him speaker with 132 votes in favour.

The opposition described the move as a scandal and questioned the legitimacy of the appointment.

“What is happening is a black day at the National Assembly,” said opposition lawmaker Abdou Mbow.

By Vafa Guliyeva