Senegal’s political landscape shifts: sonko eyes assembly leadership after speaker’s exit

Senegal’s political arena is experiencing significant turbulence following the Sunday resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye. This unexpected departure could pave the way for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the Parliament, merely days after his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

In a statement shared on Facebook, Mr. Ndiaye cited his institutional vision and the nation’s paramount interests as reasons for his decision, offering no further specifics. A staunch ally of Sonko, he had held the Assembly presidency since the Pastef party’s landslide victory in the 2024 legislative elections, where the coalition secured a dominant 130 out of 165 seats.

Lawmakers are scheduled to convene on Tuesday for a plenary session. Their agenda includes reviewing Ousmane Sonko’s potential reinstatement as a deputy, followed by the election of a new National Assembly president. Such a development would significantly bolster the influence of the Pastef leader, who continues to command substantial popularity among a significant segment of the Senegalese populace.

Just last Friday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated his Prime Minister’s tenure, signaling a political rift between two figures who had ascended to power together in April 2024. Barred from running in the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, Ousmane Sonko had previously championed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the rallying cry, “Diomaye Moy Sonko.”

For months, public disagreements had simmered between the two leaders. Sonko, in particular, had criticized the Head of State for perceived lack of authority and had voiced concerns about the sluggish pace of legal proceedings against officials from the previous Macky Sall administration, who faced corruption allegations.

Conversely, President Faye had expressed reservations about Sonko’s expanding influence within the government and the ruling party. The chasm widened further following fresh criticisms from the former Prime Minister during an Assembly session concerning the management of political funds.

Despite his removal from the government, Ousmane Sonko maintains considerable political sway. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence on Friday evening, effectively transforming his dismissal into a powerful demonstration of popular backing.

President Faye now faces the task of appointing a new Prime Minister, a choice that will require parliamentary approval amidst an increasingly uncertain political climate.