Senegal political tension over constitutional reform stirs debate
Tensions have surfaced at the highest level of Senegal’s political landscape following the adoption of a constitutional reform bill by the National Assembly. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has openly criticized President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, accusing him of abandoning key commitments he once championed while in opposition.
During a speech delivered to lawmakers, Ousmane Sonko emphasized that the constitutional reform is the culmination of over a decade of political reflection, shaped by outcomes from the national dialogue and expert-led commissions. He stressed that these long-standing commitments should not be overshadowed by the personal preferences of a single leader.
« The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye », he declared, condemning the President’s apparent intent to reverse certain provisions. Among the contested elements are the requirement for presidents to declare their assets upon leaving office and the prohibition against presidents leading political parties.
« You cannot cherry-pick constitutional articles, discarding those that inconvenience you, » Ousmane Sonko asserted. « Declining to declare assets after a term or assuming leadership of a party directly contradicts the spirit of the reform. »
He further argued that the President’s selective approach represents a departure from the Pastef party’s foundational principles established in 2014. Ousmane Sonko accused Bassirou Diomaye Faye of selectively adopting provisions that serve his interests while sidelining others.
« He has begun filtering the reform based on what suits him as President, » Sonko remarked. Despite his sharp criticism, he urged the President to sign the bill into law, asserting that the qualified majority vote in the Assembly is sufficient to validate the reform without the need for a referendum.
Concluding with a poignant question, Ousmane Sonko wondered, « What has changed in our little brother and President? » He expressed hope that Bassirou Diomaye Faye would return to the core values of his political journey and honor the promises made to the Senegalese people.
