The Senegalese political landscape is experiencing a significant shake-up following the resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye on Sunday. This departure could potentially pave the way for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the Parliament, just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from his governmental post.
In a statement shared on Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye articulated that his decision stemmed from his institutional vision and the nation’s best interests, without providing further specifics. A staunch ally of Sonko, Ndiaye had presided over the Assembly since the Pastef party’s landslide victory in the 2024 legislative elections, where it secured an impressive 130 out of 165 seats.
Lawmakers are scheduled to convene on Tuesday for a plenary session to consider Ousmane Sonko’s reinstatement as a deputy, followed by the election of a new National Assembly President. This potential development would considerably bolster the influence of the Pastef leader, who maintains substantial popularity among a significant segment of the Senegalese populace.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had terminated his Prime Minister’s tenure last Friday, signaling a political rift between the two men who had jointly ascended to power in April 2024. Unable to contest the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, Ousmane Sonko had previously endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the unifying slogan « Diomaye Moy Sonko ».
For several months, public tensions had been palpable between the two prominent figures. Sonko, notably, criticized the head of state for a perceived lack of decisive authority and voiced disapproval over the sluggish pace of investigations initiated against officials from the former regime of Macky Sall, who faced accusations of corruption.
Conversely, President Faye expressed concerns about Sonko’s increasing prominence within the government and the ruling party. The divergence between them deepened further after the former Prime Minister made fresh criticisms in the National Assembly regarding the management of political funds.
Despite his removal from the executive branch, Ousmane Sonko continues to wield considerable political sway. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence last Friday evening, effectively transforming his dismissal into a powerful display of popular backing.
President Faye now faces the task of appointing a new Prime Minister, a selection that will require approval from the deputies amidst an increasingly uncertain political climate in Sénégal.
