El Malick Ndiaye, the speaker of Senegal's National Assembly, announced his resignation on Sunday, May 25, 2026 [2].
The departure of the legislative leader follows a period of intense political volatility in Dakar. His resignation signals a deepening crisis within the government's leadership structure and may shift the balance of power in the National Assembly.
Ndiaye stepped down two days after his close ally, Ousmane Sonko, was fired as prime minister [1]. The speaker said a need for institutional stability and a deepening political crisis were the primary reasons for his decision [1].
The move comes as the country grapples with the fallout of the prime minister's removal. Observers said the vacancy in the speaker's office may create a path for Sonko to potentially return to a position of power within the parliament.
Ndiaye has served as the president of the National Assembly, acting as a key link between the legislative branch and the executive office. His exit removes a critical pillar of support for the previous administration's legislative agenda.
The resignation occurred in Dakar, the capital city, where political tensions have remained high since the dismissal of the prime minister [1]. The National Assembly must now determine how to fill the vacancy and whether the current political deadlock can be resolved through new leadership appointments.
“El Malick Ndiaye, the speaker of Senegal's National Assembly, announced his resignation”
The simultaneous loss of both the prime minister and the speaker of the National Assembly suggests a systemic collapse of the ruling coalition's leadership. By resigning, Ndiaye not only reflects the instability of the current government but potentially creates a strategic opening for Ousmane Sonko to pivot from the executive branch to a leadership role in the legislature, which could allow Sonko to maintain political influence despite his dismissal.
