Ousmane Sonko confirms he will remain Senegal's Prime Minister amid speculation

In Senegal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made a significant announcement stating he will retain his position as head of the government instead of leading the national assembly. This declaration followed his party, Pastef, achieving a substantial victory in snap parliamentary elections held on November 17, where the ruling party secured 130 out of 165 seats in the assembly. This historic win represents one of the largest majorities obtained by a single party in the country's political history, raising questions about Sonko's future role. Many observers speculated that it would be prudent for Sonko to step down as Prime Minister to preside over the national assembly, especially given the potential conflicts that could arise if the President’s power stemmed from Sonko, who played a crucial role in ensuring the President's election. Sonko emphasized his determination to stay focused on his current responsibilities and underscored the need for collaboration with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as they tackle pressing issues like inflation and unemployment. He stated, "I’m staying on at the prime minister’s office... The president needs me by his side." Sonko's decision is seen as a strategic move to maintain the stability of the executive branch while also facilitating the legislative agenda for the newly empowered ruling party.