Sénégal’s political shake-up: Sonko eyes national assembly leadership

Sénégal’s political landscape is experiencing a new wave of transformation following the Sunday resignation of El Malick Ndiaye, who served as the President of the National Assembly. This significant departure could potentially pave the way for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the Parliament, just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed him from his governmental role.

In a statement shared on Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye explained his decision was driven by his vision for national institutions and the country’s best interests, though he did not elaborate further. A staunch ally of Sonko, Ndiaye had presided over the Assembly since the Pastef party’s landslide victory in the 2024 legislative elections, where they secured an impressive 130 out of 165 seats.

Lawmakers are scheduled to convene on Tuesday for a plenary session. The agenda includes reviewing Ousmane Sonko’s reintegration as a deputy, followed by the election of a new President for the National Assembly. Should this scenario unfold, it would considerably amplify the influence of the Pastef leader, who continues to command substantial popularity among a significant segment of the Senegalese populace.

Last Friday, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye terminated his Prime Minister’s tenure, signaling a political divergence between the two figures who had jointly ascended to power in April 2024. Ousmane Sonko, having been barred from contesting the presidential election due to a judicial conviction, had previously endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the widely recognized slogan, « Diomaye Moy Sonko ».

For several months, the growing tensions between the two leaders had become publicly apparent. Sonko notably criticized the Head of State for a perceived lack of firm authority and expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of legal proceedings against officials from Macky Sall’s former administration, who faced accusations of corruption.

Conversely, President Faye reportedly harbored concerns regarding Sonko’s expanding role within the corridors of power and the majority party. The rift further intensified following additional critiques voiced by the ex-Prime Minister within the National Assembly concerning the management of political funds.

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

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