Power struggle in Senegal: How far will the clash go?

Senegal's political landscape has dramatically shifted following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's dismissal of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This rupture, long anticipated due to escalating political tensions and open disagreements between the two leaders, marks a significant moment for the West African nation.

In a swift development, the President of the National Assembly, Malick Ndiaye, announced his resignation. This move appears to have been orchestrated to allow the former Prime Minister Sonko to return to the national legislature and resume his role as a deputy. This maneuvering occurs amidst what is described as a clash of ambitions between former allies who rose to power together.

Following Ndiaye's resignation, the National Assembly convened an extraordinary session on May 26, 2026, to elect a new president. As widely predicted, Ousmane Sonko, recently removed from his prime ministerial post, secured the position. He garnered 132 out of 133 votes, underscoring his continued influence within the ruling PASTEF party, which dominates the parliament with 130 out of 165 seats.

Sonko's election to the presidency of the National Assembly places him as the second-highest personality in the state and the constitutional dauphin to President Faye. This strategic position grants him significant power, potentially enabling him to obstruct government actions through legislative means. The situation raises concerns about Senegal's institutional stability, as the rivalry between Faye and his former mentor intensifies, with Faye seeking to assert his own authority.