Senegal’s National Assembly has elected former prime minister Ousmane Sonko as speaker of parliament, days after he was dismissed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye amid growing tensions within the ruling Pastef party.

Lawmakers on Tuesday also reinstated Sonko’s parliamentary seat, strengthening his political position after his removal as prime minister last week.

The move comes as Senegal faces a deepening political crisis following Faye’s decision to sack Sonko and dissolve the government after months of disagreements over the country’s economic direction.

On Monday, Faye appointed economist Ahmadou Al Aminou as the new prime minister.

Sonko and Faye, once close allies, rose to power in 2024 on promises of reform, anti-corruption measures and economic recovery.

However, divisions have emerged over how to tackle Senegal’s mounting debt and relations with the IMF.

Sonko, who retains strong support among young Senegalese voters, now takes charge of parliament where Pastef controls a large majority.

The opposition criticised his election, with opposition leader Aissata Tall Sall describing the development as an “institutional coup.”