The founder of the think tank Afrikajom Center, Alioune Tine, shared his view on Senegal’s political scene. He dismissed any notion of a rift between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, but underscored a lack of mutual understanding.
According to Tine, the Pastef leader made a strategic misstep by opting for the presidency of the National Assembly. He believes that with his sights set on becoming president of the republic, Sonko should have stepped aside after leaving the prime minister role, dedicated himself to managing his party, and let the Senegalese people bring him to the country’s highest office in 2029.
The former National Assembly president, El Malick Ndiaye, was also highlighted by the civil society figure, who praised the work he was doing at the helm of the chamber. Speaking on the Tolouway programme, Alioune Tine said that Ndiaye perfectly embodied the position and met the expectations of public opinion.
In his view, the top parliamentary post brings no added value to Ousmane Sonko, since the deputies are already on his side. Oversight and direction of the Assembly could have been exercised from a distance, while allowing El Malick Ndiaye to continue his mission.
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