Diouf blasts sonko over constitutional reforms in Senegal

During a press conference held by the Diomaye Président coalition, Minister Abdourahmane Diouf delivered a sharp rebuke of Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, over his stance on Senegal’s constitutional reform process.

The minister emphasized that under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s leadership, Senegal’s institutional stability remains unshaken. He highlighted the president’s early 2024 commitments to safeguarding both democratic institutions and social harmony, framing them as unwavering pillars of governance.

Abdourahmane Diouf revisited the 2024 electoral timeline, noting that Ousmane Sonko initially advocated for a postponement of the presidential vote before later endorsing Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s candidacy. The minister accused Sonko of abandoning this shared vision, accusing him of betraying the president and engaging in political manipulation to derail ongoing institutional reforms.

Drawing a stark contrast with past administrations, Abdourahmane Diouf pointed out that previous presidents, despite commanding parliamentary majorities, refrained from altering the Constitution to fit their agendas. He argued that if such a precedent had been set earlier, today’s reform advocates would lack the legitimacy to push their proposals forward.

The minister’s remarks carried a biting tone, particularly when addressing Sonko’s self-proclaimed role as a “revolutionary guardian.” Diouf dismissed this narrative as incompatible with Sonko’s current position as head of the National Assembly. “We have no use for a self-proclaimed guru,” he declared, dismissing Sonko’s influence with unmistakable disdain.