A significant political shift is currently reshaping the Senegalese landscape following the resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye on Sunday. This departure potentially paves the way for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the Parliament, mere days after his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
In a statement shared on Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye clarified that his decision stemmed from his institutional vision and a commitment to the nation’s best interests, though he offered no further specifics. A staunch ally of Sonko, Ndiaye had presided over the Assembly since the overwhelming victory of the Pastef party in the 2024 legislative elections, where the party secured 130 out of 165 seats.
Deputies have been summoned for a plenary session on Tuesday to review Ousmane Sonko’s reinstatement as a member of parliament, followed by the election of a new National Assembly president. This development would substantially bolster the influence of the Pastef leader, who continues to command significant popularity among a large segment of the Senegalese populace.
Just last Friday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated his Prime Minister’s tenure, signaling a political rift between the two men who had jointly ascended to power in April 2024. Barred from contesting the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, Ousmane Sonko had wholeheartedly endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the rallying cry “Diomaye Moy Sonko.”
For several months, public tensions had been escalating between the two prominent figures. Sonko had notably criticized the head of state for a perceived lack of authority and voiced concerns over the slow progress of investigations targeting officials from the previous Macky Sall regime, who faced allegations of corruption.
Conversely, President Faye had expressed disapproval of Sonko’s expanding role within the government and the majority party. The fracture deepened following further critiques made by the former Prime Minister in the National Assembly concerning the management of political funds.
Despite his removal from the government, Ousmane Sonko maintains a powerful political presence. Hundreds of his supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence last Friday evening, transforming his dismissal into a clear demonstration of popular backing.
President Faye now faces the critical task of appointing a new Prime Minister, a choice that will require parliamentary approval amidst an increasingly uncertain political climate.
