Senegal is currently navigating a period of intense political instability. On Sunday, the President of the National Assembly, El Malick Ndiaye, announced his resignation. This sudden move comes just two days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye abruptly dismissed Ousmane Sonko from his role as Prime Minister, signaling a dramatic shift in the country's power dynamics.
Analysts view Ndiaye's departure as a strategic maneuver designed to pave the way for Sonko—a popular and fiery pan-Africanist leader—to take control of the National Assembly. The ruling party, African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), maintains a commanding presence in the legislature, holding 130 out of 165 seats. An official document has already summoned lawmakers to a plenary session this Tuesday morning to reinstate Sonko as a member of parliament and vote on a new speaker.
A Fractured Alliance
The current rift between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko is a stark contrast to the partnership that defined Senegalese politics in 2024. Faye ascended to power with over 54% of the vote, bolstered by Sonko's support after Sonko was barred from running due to a defamation conviction. Together, they campaigned on a populist platform dedicated to fighting corruption and resolving a growing debt crisis.
However, tensions have simmered for months. The conflict recently turned public, with President Faye criticizing the "excessive personalization" of the ruling party under Sonko, while Sonko countered by accusing the president of a "failure of leadership." Following his dismissal on Friday, Sonko remained defiant on social media, asserting that he was not a prime minister who "blindly obeys."
Economic Stakes and the IMF Bailout
This political paralysis arrives at a critical moment for Senegal's economy. The nation is facing a severe fiscal crisis following a government audit that revealed billions of dollars in unrecorded debt hidden by the previous administration. This discovery has pushed Senegal's debt burden to a staggering 132% of GDP, leading the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to freeze a vital $1.8 billion lending program.
The leadership vacuum threatens to jeopardize efforts to resume negotiations with the IMF. Finance Minister Cheikh Diba had previously informed parliament that talks were scheduled to restart in early June, with a necessary agreement deadline of June 30.
With Sonko potentially ascending to the speakership, he could establish a powerful rival base of authority against the presidency. Given his historical skepticism toward the structural reforms required by international lenders, his influence over the legislature could significantly impact the outcome of the IMF negotiations. Furthermore, a parliamentary amendment passed last month has removed legal barriers that previously blocked Sonko from higher office, clearing his path to potentially run for the presidency in 2029.
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President of Senegal's Parliament resigns days after PM dismissed
cgtn.com
