Senegal’s national assembly president resigns amid political shifts

A significant shift has swept through Sénégal’s political landscape following Sunday’s resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye. This departure could potentially clear a path for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the parliament, just days after his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

In a statement shared on Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye clarified that his decision was driven by his institutional vision and the nation’s best interests, though he offered no further specifics. A close confidant of Sonko, Ndiaye had presided over the Assembly since the resounding 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 consider Ousmane Sonko’s reinstatement as a parliamentarian, 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 considerable popularity among a large segment of the Senegalese populace.

The political partnership between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, which began with their joint ascent to power in April 2024, fractured last Friday when President Faye terminated Sonko’s government role. Barred from contesting 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 ».

Public disagreements had been escalating between the two leaders for several months. Sonko notably voiced concerns over the Head of State’s perceived lack of assertiveness and the slow pace of legal actions against officials from the previous Macky Sall administration, who faced corruption allegations.

Conversely, President Faye reportedly grew critical of Sonko’s expanding influence within the government and the ruling party. The rift deepened following further critiques from the former Prime Minister in the National Assembly regarding the management of political funds.

Despite his removal from the cabinet, Ousmane Sonko maintains a powerful political presence. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence last Friday evening, transforming his dismissal into a clear demonstration of popular backing.

President Faye is now tasked with appointing a new Prime Minister, a choice that will require parliamentary approval in what has become an increasingly uncertain political climate.