Senegal’s constitutional council blocks Pastef reforms, weakens Sonko

The Senegalese Constitutional Council has struck down the institutional reform bill championed by the ruling Pastef party, delivering a fresh setback to Ousmane Sonko in his ongoing power struggle with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

In a unanimous ruling, the Council declared the reform unconstitutional, citing two critical flaws: the absence of a funding mechanism for the proposed Constitutional Court and procedural violations during parliamentary debates on government amendments. The decision follows a request from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye himself, underscoring the depth of division within the administration.

Constitutional hurdles derail ambitious reform agenda

The rejected legislation aimed to rebalance institutional powers, a core pledge of the Pastef majority in the National Assembly. However, the Council emphasized that any constitutional amendment imposing new public expenditures must include compensatory revenue streams, as mandated by Article 82 of the Constitution. The ruling also highlighted that the Assembly violated procedural rules by refusing to implement a blocked vote at the government’s request, further justifying the annulment.

Adji Diarra Mergane Kanouté, former MP and leader of the USD/A party, argued that while the decision nullifies the current reform, a revised proposal could still emerge if proper procedures and funding mechanisms are established.