Senegal's political deadlock looms as Ousmane Sonko's party exits government

Senegal's ousted Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko says his party will not join the new government, escalating tensions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Sonko's Pastef holds a strong majority in parliament, with 130 deputies out of 165.

A political analyst from the Senegal-based Wathi think tank said Tuesday that the party could call a vote of no confidence, threatening a governance gridlock.

New Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo named a government this week that includes no major figures from the ruling majority or Sonko's close associates.

Senegal is grappling with a deepening debt crisis and rising cost of living.