El Malick Ndiaye, the Speaker of Senegal’s parliament, has resigned from his position amid an escalating political crisis involving President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally, Ousmane Sonko.
Ndiaye announced his resignation on Sunday, just days after President Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister and dissolved the government.
The development has fuelled speculation that Sonko’s loyalists may push to install him as the new speaker of parliament in what many observers see as a direct challenge to the president.
In a statement explaining his decision, Ndiaye said he stepped down after “deep reflection” and in the interest of national responsibility.
“In public responsibilities as well as in the trials of national life, there are times when the interest of the country commands to prioritise integrity, discernment and sense of duty,” he stated.
Lawmakers have now been summoned to a parliamentary session on Tuesday to discuss Sonko’s possible return to the legislature and elect a new speaker.
Sonko, the influential leader of the ruling Pastef party, was elected as a member of parliament during the 2024 legislative elections but resigned his seat to continue serving as prime minister.
At the time, he had stated that he would remain focused on his role in government.
However, following his dismissal from office, political observers believe he is now preparing for a comeback in parliament, where supporters expect him to seek the speaker’s position.
Analysts warn that Sonko’s possible emergence as parliamentary speaker could significantly weaken President Faye’s authority.
The Pastef party currently controls an absolute majority in parliament, a situation that could make it difficult for the president to pass policies and reforms without Sonko’s backing.
Senegal is also awaiting the appointment of a new prime minister following the dissolution of the government.
However, uncertainty remains over whether parliament would smoothly approve any nominee put forward by President Faye.
Under Senegalese law, lawmakers have up to three months to approve a nominated prime minister.
The constitution also prevents the president from dissolving parliament until at least two years after the last legislative election, meaning any attempt to prematurely end lawmakers’ mandates before November would be considered unconstitutional.
The growing divide between Faye and Sonko has increased political uncertainty in the West African nation, which is already battling economic and debt challenges.
Sonko remains one of Senegal’s most popular political figures, especially among young people.
Before joining government, he built a strong reputation as an outspoken opposition figure who frequently challenged the policies of former President Macky Sall.
Political analysts say Sonko maintained the same confrontational style even within the current administration, contributing to tensions with President Faye.
Many supporters believe Sonko would likely have become president in 2024 if he had not been barred from contesting the election due to a defamation conviction.
Observers now say the future of the relationship between Faye and Sonko could shape Senegal’s political direction in the coming years.
The situation is also being closely watched across Africa, as Senegal had previously been praised for its youthful leadership and democratic stability.
