During a plenary session dedicated to labor and social security code reforms, Ousmane Sonko addressed mounting speculation surrounding the constitutional revision process. With a firm statement, he dismissed rumors of any formal ultimatum directed at the presidency, emphasizing that such assertions have no basis in reality.

« This is false. No ultimatum was ever directed at the president, » Sonko declared, firmly shutting down speculation about institutional tensions or undue pressure on the executive branch. He underscored that the parliamentary initiative operates strictly within constitutional boundaries, emphasizing that the legislative process remains independent of executive interference.

Explaining the constitutional framework, Sonko clarified that the reform initiative falls under the Assembly’s authority as the derived constituent power, bound by constitutional provisions and the Constitutional Council’s jurisprudence. Highlighting a 2006 ruling by the Constitutional Council, he affirmed that the Assembly is fully empowered to drive the revision process with a qualified majority of three-fifths of deputies.

Institutional dialogue, not confrontation

Sonko dismissed political interpretations framing the process as contentious, asserting that no crisis exists between state institutions. Instead, he described the current phase as a normal exercise of constitutional dialogue, where each branch of government operates within its defined mandate under the Council’s oversight.

« Those expecting a crisis at the highest level of government will need to look elsewhere, » he stated, concluding his clarification with a reaffirmation that the constitutional revision will proceed strictly according to the Constitution, regardless of the executive’s formal stance on the matter.

The Assembly President stressed that the integrity of Senegal’s institutional mechanisms remains intact, ensuring a stable and legally grounded path forward for the constitutional reform.