Senegal’s Political Tensions Deepen as Debate Grows Over Ousmane Sonko’s Return to Parliament

Political tensions are escalating in Senegal following the resignation of National Assembly President El Malick Ndiaye, a close ally of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The development has fueled speculation that Sonko is preparing to reclaim his parliamentary seat and potentially take over the leadership of the National Assembly.

Speaking during an interview with Enjeux d’Afrique, political figure Badara Pouye, who is aligned with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, dismissed suggestions that the ruling coalition fears Sonko’s possible rise to the head of parliament.

According to Pouye, President Diomaye Faye and his allies “do not know fear,” arguing instead that Sonko and his supporters are the ones showing signs of political anxiety. He questioned the legality of the political maneuvers surrounding Sonko’s anticipated return to the Assembly, particularly the resignation process involving substitute lawmakers intended to restore Sonko’s parliamentary mandate.

Pouye suggested that the matter could eventually be referred to Senegal’s Constitutional Council, claiming that parliamentary procedures and national laws may have been violated in the process.

The political commentator further accused Sonko of placing personal political ambitions above national interests, warning that repeated confrontations with state institutions and political opponents could gradually erode public support for the prime minister.

Addressing the possibility of Sonko becoming Speaker of the National Assembly, Pouye insisted that such a scenario would not significantly weaken President Diomaye Faye. He argued that the Senegalese Constitution grants the president substantial powers, including the ability to dissolve parliament under certain conditions.

He also claimed that if institutional tensions continue to escalate, the president could eventually resort to stronger constitutional measures to preserve national stability and ensure the functioning of state institutions.

Pouye accused Sonko of attempting to politically corner the president through institutional control, particularly by seeking influence over parliament. However, he maintained that any strategy aimed at blocking the presidency would ultimately fail.

The interview comes amid growing debate within Senegal’s political landscape over the balance of power between President Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, two longtime allies whose political relationship is increasingly being scrutinized by observers.

As uncertainty continues to surround the future leadership of the National Assembly, questions remain over whether dissolving parliament could resolve the mounting tensions — or deepen the political divide even further.