Senegal’s national assembly president steps down amidst political turmoil
Current Events. The political landscape in Senegal has been rocked by another significant development. El Malick Ndiaye, who served as the president of the National Assembly, declared his resignation just two days after the dismissal of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
Senegal finds itself navigating deeper into political uncertainty. On Sunday, May 24th, El Malick Ndiaye confirmed his departure from the leadership role of the National Assembly.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Ndiaye, known to be a close associate of Ousmane Sonko, cited «a personal choice» driven by «the superior interest of the Nation,» offering no further elaboration on his decision.
This announcement comes swiftly, merely two days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s dramatic removal of the Prime Minister from office.
Ousmane Sonko’s path to the speakership?
El Malick Ndiaye’s resignation now potentially clears the way for Ousmane Sonko to assume leadership of the National Assembly.
Sonko, the influential leader of Pastef, continues to be the preeminent figure within the parliamentary majority, with his party commanding 130 out of 165 seats following the November 2024 legislative elections.
Having been barred from the 2024 presidential election due to a judicial conviction, Sonko had previously propelled Bassirou Diomaye Faye into the nation’s highest office under the widely recognized slogan «Diomaye Moy Sonko.»
A government under strain
For several months, public awareness of growing tensions between the two prominent political figures had been apparent, culminating in their definitive split on Friday evening.
This significant political crisis now raises critical questions about President Faye’s ability to govern effectively and push through his proposed reforms, especially amidst Senegal’s already challenging economic climate.
The coming days are poised to be pivotal for the future trajectory of Senegal’s political leadership.