Senegal's leadership row mounts as parliament Speaker El Malick Ndiaye resigns

Some speculate that El Malick Ndiaye stepped down so that ousted-PM Ousmane Sonko can take his place.

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Some now speculate there are plans to offer the vacant speaker post to Sonko by loyalists in defiance of the president.

Senegal's current crisis follows months of tension between Sonko and Faye.

In a statement announcing his decision to resign as speaker on Sunday, Ndiaye said it came after "deep reflection" on "the sense of statehood".

"In public responsibilities as well as in the trials of national life, there are times when the interest of the country commands to prioritise integrity, discernment and sense of duty," he added.