Tensions have escalated in Senegal’s political arena following the adoption of a constitutional reform bill by the National Assembly. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has taken a firm stance against President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, accusing him of abandoning commitments he once championed while in opposition.
Constitutional reform stirs controversy
At the heart of the dispute is the proposed constitutional reform, which Sonko argues reflects over a decade of political reflection, including findings from national dialogues and expert commissions. He emphasizes that these commitments transcend the preferences of any single leader, stressing that the Constitution belongs to all citizens, not just the head of state.
Key points of contention
Sonko highlighted two major provisions that President Faye appears to be reconsidering: the mandatory declaration of assets at the end of a presidential term and the prohibition on the president leading a political party. These principles, he noted, were central to the reform’s original vision.
« The Constitution does not belong solely to Bassirou Diomaye Faye, » Sonko declared, underscoring that altering these provisions would betray the reform’s foundational values. He questioned the legitimacy of selectively adopting parts of the reform that align with the president’s interests, stating, « One cannot cherry-pick articles, dismissing those that no longer suit the president’s agenda. »
Breaking with past promises
Sonko accused President Faye of deviating from the historical commitments of the Pastef party, which has long advocated for these reforms since 2014. The president’s apparent backtracking, he argued, signals a departure from the party’s core principles and the promises made to the Senegalese people.
Despite his criticism, Sonko urged President Faye to sign the reform bill into law, asserting that the National Assembly’s qualified majority vote is sufficient to validate the changes without requiring a referendum.
Concluding his remarks, Sonko posed a poignant question: « What has changed in our little brother and president? » He expressed hope that the head of state would return to the principles that defined his political journey and honor the promises made to the nation.