A significant political shift is underway in Senegal following the resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye on Sunday. This departure could potentially clear the path for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the parliament, just days after his unexpected dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
In a statement shared on Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye cited his vision for national institutions and the country’s best interests as the reasons behind his decision, without elaborating further. Ndiaye, a staunch ally of Sonko, had held the presidency of the Assembly since the Pastef party’s landslide victory in the 2024 legislative elections, where they secured 130 out of 165 seats.
Lawmakers have been summoned for a plenary session on Tuesday to consider Ousmane Sonko’s reintegration as a deputy, followed by the election of a new National Assembly president. This development would substantially strengthen the influence of the Pastef leader, who continues to command widespread popularity among a significant segment of the Senegalese populace.
The political landscape was already turbulent after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated his Prime Minister’s tenure on Friday, signaling a significant political rupture between the two men who had ascended to power together in April 2024. Ousmane Sonko, having been barred from contesting the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, had thrown his full support behind Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the rallying cry, “Diomaye Moy Sonko” (Diomaye is Sonko).
Public tensions between the two prominent leaders had been escalating for several months. Sonko had openly criticized President Faye, citing a perceived lack of firm leadership and the sluggish pace of investigations against officials from the previous Macky Sall administration, who faced allegations of corruption.
Conversely, President Faye had expressed concerns regarding Sonko’s expanding influence within the government and the majority party. The rift deepened following further public criticisms from the former Prime Minister in the National Assembly concerning the management of political funds.
Despite his removal from the government, Ousmane Sonko maintains considerable political sway. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence on Friday evening, transforming his dismissal into a powerful demonstration of popular backing.
President Faye now faces the critical task of appointing a new Prime Minister, an individual who will require parliamentary endorsement in an increasingly unpredictable political climate.
