Senegal political tensions deepen as parliament speaker resigns amid Sonko-Faye power struggle
Senegal’s political uncertainty has intensified after Speaker of Parliament El Malick Ndiaye resigned from his position, deepening an ongoing power struggle between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally and mentor, Ousmane Sonko.
The resignation comes just days after President Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister and dissolved the government, escalating months of growing tensions within the country’s ruling leadership.
Ndiaye announced his resignation on Sunday, describing the decision as one made after “deep reflection” and guided by what he called “the sense of statehood.”
“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.
His departure has immediately fueled speculation that supporters of Sonko within the ruling Pastef party are preparing to position the former prime minister as the next Speaker of Parliament — a move many observers believe could significantly weaken President Faye’s authority.
Senegalese lawmakers are expected to convene on Tuesday for a parliamentary session aimed at facilitating Sonko’s return to the National Assembly and electing a new speaker.
Sonko, the influential leader of the Pastef party, was elected as a member of parliament during the 2024 legislative elections but later relinquished the seat in order to continue serving as prime minister under Faye’s administration.
At the time, Sonko had publicly stated: “I am staying at the prime minister’s office. I submitted my resignation letter as a member of parliament.”
However, following his dramatic exit from government, the outspoken political figure now appears poised to re-enter parliament, where loyalists are reportedly rallying behind a possible bid for the speaker position.
Political analysts say such a development could reshape Senegal’s power structure, especially considering Pastef’s commanding parliamentary majority.
With Sonko potentially taking control of the legislature, President Faye could face major challenges pushing through policies, reforms, and government appointments without resistance from lawmakers aligned with his former deputy.
Attention is also turning to the appointment of a new prime minister, although uncertainty remains over whether parliament would smoothly approve any nominee presented by the president.
Read alsoSenegal President Faye Sacks PM Sonko Amid Deepening Political Rift
Under Senegal’s constitutional framework, lawmakers have up to three months to validate a prime ministerial appointment.
At the same time, President Faye faces constitutional limitations that prevent him from dissolving parliament until at least two years after the last legislative election, meaning any attempt to prematurely end lawmakers’ mandates before November would likely be deemed unconstitutional.
The political fallout between Faye and Sonko has raised fresh concerns about stability in the debt-stricken West African nation, long considered one of the region’s democratic strongholds.
Sonko, 51, remains one of Senegal’s most popular political figures, particularly among the youth, and built his reputation as a fierce opposition voice against former President Macky Sall.
His influence was widely viewed as instrumental in Faye’s rise to power, with many believing Sonko himself would have become president had he not been barred from contesting the 2024 election due to a defamation conviction.
The growing split between the two leaders now leaves many Senegalese questioning the future direction of the country’s leadership and governance.
Observers say the coming days could prove decisive in determining whether the rift evolves into a full-blown institutional power battle or opens the door for political reconciliation within the ruling establishment.
