Current situation in Senegal calls for concern, says Timi Frank

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Timi Frank, has expressed support for Senegalese National Assembly Speaker, Ousmane Sonko, amid the ongoing political tensions in the West African country.

PidomNigeria Online had reported that Senegal’s National Assembly elected ousted Sonko its speaker on Tuesday in a vote boycotted by the opposition, following months of tension that culminated in the firebrand’s sacking.

Sonko’s rise to the top of parliament comes four days after President Bassirou Faye fired him, and with opposition lawmakers deeming his reinstatement to the National Assembly “illegal”.

Sonko remains the undisputed leader of Pastef, the party which controls 130 of the 165 seats in Senegal’s only legislative body.

In a post issued on his Facebook page on Wednesday, Frank congratulated Sonko while expressing concern over developments within the country’s political leadership.

Frank said the current situation in Senegal reflects growing dissatisfaction among some supporters of the PASTEF movement, particularly among youths who backed the campaign for institutional reforms, accountability and economic sovereignty.

According to him, Sonko played a major role in reshaping Senegal’s political landscape before the emergence of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the national stage.

“Sonko remains a symbol of resistance during the administration of former President Macky Sall. He inspired many young Senegalese seeking political and economic reforms,” he said.

Frank recalled Sonko’s performance in the 2019 presidential election and said the opposition figure remained influential despite his inability to contest the 2024 election.

“Without Sonko’s sacrifices, political structure, popularity and influence among Senegalese youths, Bassirou Diomaye Faye would almost certainly never have become president,” Frank stated.

He also noted that President Faye had publicly acknowledged Sonko’s contributions to the movement during his inauguration.

Frank said many supporters of Sonko remain committed to what they describe as the vision of a new Senegal focused on economic independence, youth empowerment and institutional reforms.

He urged Senegalese citizens to remain peaceful and continue supporting democratic development in the country.

The former APC spokesman further advised Sonko to strengthen international partnerships with countries and institutions willing to support democratic growth and economic development while respecting Senegal’s sovereignty.

Frank said Senegal remains at a critical stage in its political evolution and stressed the need for leaders to sustain the reform-driven momentum that inspired many citizens.