Significant constitutional reforms in Sénégal are exposing unprecedented political friction at the highest echelons of power. Following the National Assembly’s approval of the proposed legislation, Ousmane Sonko, who presides over the legislative body, openly voiced his disapproval of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko alleges that President Faye now seeks to alter provisions he staunchly advocated for during his time in the opposition.
Addressing the assembled deputies, Ousmane Sonko underscored that this pivotal constitutional overhaul represents the culmination of over a decade of intensive political deliberation. He highlighted that the reform drew extensively from the outcomes of national dialogues and the diligent efforts of various expert commissions. In Sonko’s view, these long-standing commitments should not be subject to reversal based solely on the personal inclinations of a single leader.
“The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye,” Sonko asserted, condemning the head of state’s apparent intention to retract specific articles. These include the mandatory declaration of assets at the conclusion of a presidential term and the prohibition preventing the President of the Republic from simultaneously leading a political party.
“One cannot simply review a foundational document, article by article, and unilaterally declare: ‘No, I no longer wish to disclose my assets upon leaving office’; or ‘No, I desire to remain the head of a political party,’” the National Assembly president emphatically stated.
For Ousmane Sonko, this current approach signifies a profound departure from the Pastef party’s foundational principles and historical pledges dating back to 2014. He accused the head of state of initiating a ‘manipulation’ of the proposed reform, selectively endorsing only those provisions that would personally benefit him.
“He began to discern what suited him, and what did not suit him, as President of the Republic,” Sonko remarked. Despite these sharp criticisms, Ousmane Sonko called upon Bassirou Diomaye Faye to formally enact the legislation passed by the deputies. Sonko maintained that the qualified majority vote achieved is sufficient to validate the constitutional revision, thereby negating the need for a national referendum.
Concluding his address with a profoundly poignant question, he mused, “What has transformed in our younger brother and president?” He then voiced a strong hope that the head of state would realign himself with what Sonko views as the foundational tenets of his political commitment and honor the solemn pledges made to the people of Sénégal.
