Ousted Senegal prime minister Sonko elected parliament speaker

Senegal’s former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has been elected Speaker of the national parliament as the political situation in the West African nation heats up.

The ex-Speaker stepped down on Sunday for Sonko, whose party—African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity—controls a majority of the seats in the National Assembly.

The dramatic election of Sonko came just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him as Prime Minister. Both were close allies until their amity tanked in recent months.

Sonko, 51, has assured he will not use his new position to fight against anyone, saying, “What is at stake is the relationship between morality and politics.”

The new Speaker said the PASTEF platform remains open to responsible discussion “that sets aside egos to complete this term in the best possible conditions.”

The prominent figure now holds the second-highest political position in the country, and could use his influence within the legislature to hinder certain Faye’s policies.

Meanwhile, Faye has appointed 60-year-old Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as Prime Minister. The economist is a former head of the Central Bank of West African States.