Senegal political shift as assembly presidency opens for sonko

Senegal’s political arena has been rocked by another significant development following the Sunday resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye. This unexpected move may pave the way for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the legislative body, just days after his removal from office by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Institutional vision drives resignation

In a Facebook statement, Ndiaye cited his decision as a commitment to institutional integrity and the nation’s higher interests, without elaborating further. A staunch ally of Sonko, Ndiaye had held the Assembly presidency since the Pastef party’s landslide victory in the 2024 parliamentary elections, securing 130 out of 165 seats.

Parliamentary session to determine Sonko’s return

Lawmakers have been summoned for a Tuesday plenary session to first reinstate Ousmane Sonko as a deputy before electing a new Assembly president. This development could significantly bolster the Pastef leader’s political clout, particularly among his substantial grassroots support base in Senegal.

Government shake-up fuels tensions

On Friday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated his Prime Minister’s term, signaling a decisive break between the two leaders who had jointly risen to power in April 2024. Sonko, barred from running in the presidential race due to a prior legal conviction, had backed Faye’s candidacy under the slogan « Diomaye Moy Sonko ».

Public disagreements between the two figures have intensified in recent months. Sonko has openly criticized the President for perceived weakness in governance and delays in prosecuting former officials from Macky Sall’s administration, who face corruption allegations.

Conversely, President Faye has expressed concerns over Sonko’s growing influence within both the government and the ruling party. The rift deepened after Sonko’s latest parliamentary remarks questioning the management of political funds.

Popular support persists despite removal

Even after his dismissal from the executive branch, Ousmane Sonko maintains substantial political capital. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence on Friday evening, turning his ousting into a public display of solidarity.

The President now faces the task of appointing a new Prime Minister, whose confirmation will require Assembly approval in an increasingly volatile political climate.