The political landscape in Senegal continues to shift dramatically. On Sunday, May 24, El Malick Ndiaye formally announced his resignation from the presidency of the National Assembly. In a Facebook statement, the former ally of Ousmane Sonko described his decision as a “personal choice” driven by “the supreme interest of the nation,” though he offered no further clarification.

This abrupt departure follows the surprise dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, which occurred just two days prior to Ndiaye’s announcement.

Could Sonko assume the Assembly presidency?

With the Assembly leadership now vacant, attention turns to Ousmane Sonko, whose political movement holds a commanding majority in parliament. The Pastef party, which Sonko leads, secured 130 of the 165 parliamentary seats in the November 2024 legislative elections.

Sonko himself was barred from running in the 2024 presidential race due to a prior judicial conviction, yet his influence remained pivotal in propelling Bassirou Diomaye Faye to victory under the grassroots slogan “Diomaye Moy Sonko.”

Government under strain amid deepening crisis

Public tensions between Sonko and President Faye have escalated in recent months, culminating in Friday’s decisive break. This political rupture raises serious questions about the administration’s ability to govern effectively or advance its reform agenda amid Senegal’s already strained economic conditions.

The coming days may prove pivotal in determining the future trajectory of Senegal’s government.