Senegal's leadership row mounts as parliament speaker resigns

However, following the end of his tenure in government, he looks set to return to parliament where his supporters expect him to run for the post of speaker.With the departure of Sonko and his possible rise to the summit of legislative power, analysts say Faye's power could be significantly limited without parliamentary support.Sonko's Pastef party already enjoys an absolute majority there - a factor which many say could complicate Faye's ability to introduce policies or reforms.AFP via Getty ImagesPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye (right) owes his job, in large part, to the now-sacked prime minister Ousmane Sonko (left)The country now awaits the appointment of a new prime minister, but uncertainty remains over whether their approval process in parliament would be smooth. Lawmakers have up to three months to approve the nominated candidate.Meanwhile, the president cannot dissolve parliament until at least two years after the last election. That means any move to prematurely end the mandates of lawmakers before November this year would be considered invalid.The rift between Faye and Sonko further raises uncertainty over the political future of the debt-crippled West African nation, which is no stranger to leadership tussles.The 51-year-old ex-prime minister commands massive support across the country, especially among young people. While previously serving as a legislator in the opposition, he was renowned for fiercely challenging former President Macky Sall's policies - a trait which he also demonstrated against his boss Faye.