Senegal finds itself in deeper political turmoil following El Malick Ndiaye’s resignation as President of the National Assembly. In a Facebook statement, Ndiaye cited a “personal decision” driven by “the nation’s higher interests,” offering no further details.

This dramatic move comes merely 48 hours after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his position as Prime Minister.

Could Sonko take the Assembly’s helm?

Ndiaye’s departure clears the path for Ousmane Sonko to potentially assume leadership of the National Assembly. The Pastef party leader remains the dominant figure in the parliamentary majority, which holds 130 of the 165 seats following the November 2024 legislative elections.

Sonko, barred from the 2024 presidential race due to a prior judicial conviction, had previously backed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s presidential bid under the rallying cry “Diomaye Moy Sonko.”

A weakened presidency

The growing public rift between Sonko and Faye escalated into an open break this past Friday, further destabilizing an already fragile political landscape. With Senegal’s economic challenges mounting, the president now faces critical questions about his ability to govern and push through essential reforms. The coming days could prove decisive for the future of Senegal’s government.