Senegal’s political landscape has been thrown into deeper uncertainty following El Malick Ndiaye’s resignation from his position as National Assembly Speaker. In a statement shared on Facebook, Ndiaye, a close ally of Ousmane Sonko, cited “a personal decision” driven by “the higher interest of the nation,” though he offered no further details.

The announcement comes on the heels of a dramatic shake-up in government, as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his role as Prime Minister earlier this week.

Sonko tipped to take the helm of the Assembly

Ndiaye’s departure clears the path for Ousmane Sonko to potentially assume the role of Assembly Speaker. The leader of the Pastef party remains the dominant figure in the parliamentary majority, which commands 130 of the 165 seats—a result of the November 2024 legislative elections.

Sonko, who was barred from running in the 2024 presidential election due to a prior judicial conviction, had previously endorsed Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy under the rallying cry, “Diomaye Moy Sonko.”

A government under strain

Tensions between Sonko and President Faye have been steadily escalating for months, culminating in an open rupture confirmed late Friday evening. This political rift raises serious questions about the government’s ability to govern effectively and advance critical reforms amid Senegal’s already strained economic conditions.

The coming days could prove pivotal in determining the future trajectory of Senegal’s leadership.