Alioune Tine: Sonko should have let El Malick Ndiaye continue as National Assembly president

Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, has shared his perspective on Senegal’s current political landscape. He dismisses the notion of a rift between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, but does point to a clear lack of alignment.

According to Tine, the Pastef leader made a strategic misstep by pursuing the presidency of the National Assembly. He argues that with his sights set on the country’s top office, Sonko should have stepped back after leaving the prime minister’s post. Instead, Tine suggests, Sonko ought to have focused on managing his party and allowed Senegalese voters to naturally elevate him to the presidency in 2029.

The civil society figure also highlighted the role of former National Assembly president El Malick Ndiaye, praising the work he was doing at the helm of the legislature. Speaking on the programme Tolouway, Tine remarked that Ndiaye was perfectly suited for the position and met public expectations.

Tine believes the top parliamentary role offers Sonko no real advantage, given that the deputies are already loyal to him. He contends that oversight and direction of the Assembly could have been managed remotely, allowing El Malick Ndiaye to carry on with his mission.