Sénégal’s political arena is currently experiencing a significant transformation following the Sunday resignation of El Malick Ndiaye, who served as President of the National Assembly. This pivotal departure could clear the path for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the legislative body, merely days after his unexpected dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
In a public statement shared via Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye cited his decision as being rooted in his vision for national institutions and the overarching interests of the country, opting not to elaborate further. A staunch ally of Ousmane Sonko, Ndiaye had held the prestigious Assembly presidency since the resounding victory of the Pastef party in the 2024 legislative elections, where they secured an impressive 130 out of 165 seats.
Legislators have been summoned for a plenary session on Tuesday to consider Ousmane Sonko’s reintegration as a deputy, followed by the election of a new President for the National Assembly. Such a development would substantially bolster the influence of the Pastef leader, who continues to command considerable popularity among a significant segment of the Senegalese populace, shaping the future of African politics.
Just last Friday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated his Prime Minister’s tenure, signaling a pronounced political rift between the two figures who had jointly ascended to power in April 2024. Unable to contest the presidential election himself due to a judicial conviction, Ousmane Sonko had previously championed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the widely recognized slogan, “Diomaye Moy Sonko.”
For several months, the underlying tensions between the two prominent leaders had become increasingly apparent. Sonko had notably criticized the head of state for what he perceived as a lack of decisive authority and had voiced concerns over the slow progress of legal proceedings initiated against officials from the former Macky Sall administration, who faced accusations of corruption.
Conversely, President Faye had expressed reservations about Sonko’s escalating prominence within both the government and the ruling party. The rupture deepened further following the former Prime Minister’s renewed public criticisms regarding the management of political funds during a session of the National Assembly.
Despite his removal from the government, Ousmane Sonko maintains a formidable political presence. Hundreds of his devoted supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence on Friday evening, effectively transforming his dismissal into a powerful demonstration of popular backing, a notable event in West Africa news.
President Faye now faces the critical task of appointing a new Prime Minister, a choice that will require parliamentary approval amidst an increasingly unpredictable political climate in Sénégal.
