El Malick Ndiaye cited personal reasons in his resignation statement posted on Facebook, framing the decision as an act of national duty without elaborating further. His departure comes in the wake of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye‘s controversial decision to remove Sonko from office, a move that has sent shockwaves through Senegal’s political landscape.

Sonko’s Potential Rise to Power

The unexpected vacancy at the helm of the National Assembly now positions Ousmane Sonko as a prime candidate for the speakership. With his party, PASTEF, holding an overwhelming majority of 130 seats out of 165 following the 2024 legislative elections, Sonko remains the dominant figure in the parliamentary majority. His influence was pivotal in propelling Bassirou Diomaye Faye to the presidency, under the banner of their shared political movement.

Sonko’s own presidential ambitions were derailed by a judicial ruling that barred him from contesting the 2024 election, paving the way for Faye’s victory. The subsequent power struggle between the two leaders has now culminated in this dramatic turn of events.

Government in Crisis

Months of simmering tensions between Faye and Sonko reached a breaking point last Friday, leaving the government severely weakened. The president’s ability to push through critical reforms is now in question, particularly as Senegal faces mounting economic challenges. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the administration can regain stability or if the political crisis will deepen further.