Senegal political shift as assembly president resigns and sonko’s influence grows

The political landscape in Senegal has entered a new phase of upheaval following the Sunday resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye. This unexpected move could clear the path for former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the legislative body just days after being removed from office by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

In a statement shared on Facebook, El Malick Ndiaye cited his decision as driven by his commitment to institutional integrity and the nation’s greater good, though he refrained from elaborating further. A steadfast ally of Sonko, Ndiaye had helmed the Assembly since the Pastef party’s landslide victory in the 2024 legislative elections, securing 130 of the 165 available seats.

Lawmakers have been summoned to a plenary session on Tuesday to consider Sonko’s reinstatement as a deputy and subsequently elect a new Assembly President. If successful, this maneuver would significantly amplify the influence of the Pastef leader, whose popularity remains undiminished among a substantial segment of the Senegalese population.

The political rift between Sonko and President Faye reached a breaking point on Friday when the latter terminated Sonko’s role as Prime Minister. The two leaders had initially risen to power together in April 2024, with Sonko backing Faye’s presidential bid under the slogan « Diomaye Moy Sonko » after judicial obstacles prevented his own candidacy due to a prior conviction.

Public tensions between the two figures have simmered for months. Sonko has openly criticized the President for perceived weakness in governance and delays in prosecuting former officials from Macky Sall’s administration, who stand accused of corruption.

Meanwhile, President Faye has expressed concerns over Sonko’s growing dominance within the ruling party and government. The final rupture occurred after Sonko publicly challenged the administration’s handling of political funds during a recent Assembly session.

Despite his dismissal from the cabinet, Sonko continues to wield substantial political clout. Hundreds of supporters gathered outside his Dakar residence on Friday evening, transforming his ousting into a powerful display of public solidarity.

With the Assembly’s leadership now in flux, President Faye faces the urgent task of appointing a new Prime Minister—a decision that must secure legislative approval in an increasingly volatile political climate.