Senegal Faces Political Uncertainty as Parliament Speaker Resigns

The Speaker of Senegal’s parliament, El Malick Ndiaye, has stepped down from his position just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the government.

The resignation has sparked speculation that supporters of Sonko could be preparing to hand him the powerful speaker role in a move seen by some as a challenge to President Faye. The latest developments come after months of growing friction between the two leaders.

In a statement released on Sunday, Ndiaye explained that his resignation followed “careful reflection” and was guided by “a sense of responsibility to the state.”

“There are moments in public service and national life when the interest of the country must come before all else, demanding integrity, wisdom and duty,” he said.

Lawmakers are now expected to gather on Tuesday for a parliamentary session aimed at paving the way for Sonko’s return to the National Assembly and electing a new speaker.

Sonko, the outspoken leader of the Pastef party, topped the party’s list during the 2024 legislative elections. Although he won a parliamentary seat, he later gave it up to remain prime minister.

At the time, Sonko stated: “I remain at the prime minister’s office. I have submitted my resignation from parliament.”Now out of government, he appears set to return to the legislature, where many of his allies want him to take over as speaker.

Political observers believe Sonko’s possible rise to the head of parliament could significantly weaken President Faye’s authority, especially since Pastef already controls an outright majority in the assembly. Analysts warn this could make it more difficult for the president to push through policies and reforms.

Attention is also turning to the appointment of a new prime minister, though uncertainty remains over whether parliament would smoothly approve the nominee. Legislators have up to three months to confirm the president’s choice.

At the same time, the president cannot dissolve parliament before two years have passed since the last legislative election, meaning any attempt to end lawmakers’ mandates before November would likely be ruled unconstitutional.

The widening divide between Faye and Sonko has added fresh uncertainty to the future of the debt-hit West African nation, which has often been praised for its youthful leadership and democratic stability.

Sonko, 51, remains hugely popular across Senegal, particularly among young people. During his years in opposition, he became known for aggressively challenging the policies of former President Macky Sall — a confrontational style he later also displayed toward Faye.

Many believe Sonko would likely have become president himself had he not been blocked from contesting the 2024 election because of a defamation conviction.

It now remains unclear how far the fallout between the two leaders will go — and what impact it could have on Senegal’s political future.