Senegal Plunges Into Political Turmoil as Parliament Speaker Resigns After PM Sonko’s Dismissal from Office

Political tensions in Senegal escalated this week after the speaker of parliament, El Malick Ndiaye, announced his resignation just two days after Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was dismissed from office.

The resignation is widely seen as a strategic move that could allow Sonko to become head of parliament, where the ruling Pastef party holds a commanding majority.

The development marks the latest chapter in a growing power struggle within Senegal’s leadership. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye removed Sonko as prime minister on Friday following months of reported disagreements between the two longtime political allies.

Ndiaye, who is closely aligned with Sonko, said on Facebook that stepping down was “a personal choice” motivated by respect for institutions and the national interest.

Background to the Political Crisis The relationship between Faye and Sonko has been central to Senegalese politics over the past several years.

Sonko emerged as one of Senegal’s most popular opposition figures during the presidency of Macky Sall, gaining support among young voters through anti-corruption rhetoric and calls for political reform.

Sonko was expected to run for president in the 2024 election, but a defamation conviction barred him from contesting. Instead, his close ally Faye became the Pastef party’s presidential candidate.

Both men, former tax inspectors, were jailed before the election amid political unrest and accusations of repression by the previous government.

They were released only days before the rescheduled vote after widespread protests and political pressure.

Faye went on to win the presidency with 54 percent of the vote, largely thanks to Sonko’s support and popularity.

Their Pastef party later secured a strong majority in parliament on promises to overhaul governance, tackle corruption, and address Senegal’s worsening economic problems.

The political instability comes at a sensitive economic moment for Senegal. The country is facing a serious debt crisis after authorities uncovered previously hidden liabilities left by the former administration.

Senegal’s debt burden reportedly rose to 132 percent of gross domestic product by the end of 2024.

As a result, the International Monetary Fund suspended a $1.8 billion lending programme while reviewing the country’s financial position.

The government has been negotiating with the IMF in hopes of securing a new agreement that would help stabilize the economy and restore investor confidence.

Before Sonko’s dismissal, Finance Minister Cheikh Diba told parliament that talks with the IMF were expected to resume in June, with hopes of reaching an agreement by the end of the month.

However, the latest political turmoil could delay those negotiations and complicate efforts to pass the reforms required by international lenders.

If Sonko becomes speaker of parliament, he would still wield significant political influence despite losing the premiership.

Because Pastef dominates the National Assembly, his leadership there could shape legislation, economic reforms, and the broader political direction of the country.

The situation also raises questions about the future relationship between Sonko and President Faye, whose alliance was once seen as the foundation of Senegal’s new political era.

Recent electoral reforms approved by parliament may also open the door for Sonko to contest the presidency in 2029, keeping him at the center of Senegalese politics despite his current removal from government.