The founder of Afrikajom Center think tank, Alioune Tine, has shared his perspective on Senegal’s evolving political landscape, dismissing speculation of a rift between Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Instead, he highlights a noticeable lack of alignment between the two leaders.

In his assessment, Tine argues that Sonko’s decision to take on the role of National Assembly President was a strategic misstep. He suggests that had Sonko remained focused on building his party after leaving the prime minister’s office, he could have positioned himself more effectively for the 2029 presidential election. The move, according to Tine, may have inadvertently weakened Sonko’s long-term political trajectory.

El Malick Ndiaye, the former Assembly President, also comes under the spotlight in Tine’s remarks. The civil society leader commends Ndiaye’s performance, describing him as the ideal candidate for the role. In a recent interview, Tine praised Ndiaye’s leadership style, emphasizing how well he fulfilled the responsibilities of the position and met public expectations.

Tine further contends that Sonko gains little from holding the Assembly presidency. With the majority of deputies already aligned with his political agenda, the role offers limited added value. He proposes that Sonko could have maintained oversight and influence without taking the position himself, allowing Ndiaye to continue his work uninterrupted.