Alioune Tine, founder of the Afrikajom Center think tank, shared his analysis of Senegal’s current political landscape. He dismissed the idea of a rift between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, but pointed to a lack of understanding between them.
According to Tine, the Pastef leader made a strategic mistake by seeking the presidency of the National Assembly. He argued that Sonko, with his presidential ambitions, should have stepped aside after leaving the prime minister post. Instead, Tine believes, Sonko should have focused on managing his party and let Senegalese voters propel him to the presidency in 2029.
The former National Assembly president, El Malick Ndiaye, also featured prominently in the activist’s remarks. Tine praised Ndiaye’s work at the helm of the parliament, saying he perfectly embodied the role and met public expectations. Speaking on the programme Tolouway, Tine noted that Ndiaye was the right fit for the job.
In Tine’s view, the assembly presidency offers no added value to Sonko, since the deputies are already loyal to him. Oversight and direction of the chamber could have been managed remotely, while allowing El Malick Ndiaye to continue his mission.
