Sénégal: ousmane sonko challenges president diomaye faye over constitutional reform commitments

Significant political friction has emerged at the highest levels of government in Sénégal concerning the ongoing constitutional revision. Following the National Assembly’s endorsement of the proposed legislation, Ousmane Sonko, who presides over the legislative body, publicly expressed his strong disapproval of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko explicitly accused the Head of State of seeking to alter constitutional provisions that Faye himself had vigorously advocated for during his tenure in the opposition.

Addressing the assembled deputies, Ousmane Sonko emphasized that this substantial constitutional reform represents the culmination of more than a decade of comprehensive political deliberation. This extensive process, he highlighted, was thoroughly shaped by the outcomes of national dialogues and the diligent efforts of numerous expert commissions. Sonko firmly asserted that such deeply established commitments ought not to be overturned based solely on the individual preferences of a single leader.

« The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye », he declared with conviction, condemning what he perceived as the Head of State’s intention to retract specific stipulations. These notably 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 take a fundamental document, examine it article by article, and then unilaterally decide: no, I no longer wish to declare my assets upon leaving office; no, I desire to serve as a party president », the National Assembly President firmly reiterated.

According to Ousmane Sonko, this current trajectory signifies a profound deviation from the Pastef party’s historical pledges, which have been consistently upheld since 2014. He further charged the Head of State with beginning to « manipulate » the proposed reform package, selectively endorsing only those clauses that would personally benefit him.

« He started to discern what suited him and what did not, in his capacity as President of the Republic », Sonko asserted. Despite these sharp criticisms, Ousmane Sonko extended an invitation to Bassirou Diomaye Faye to formally enact the legislation that the deputies had passed. Sonko maintained that the qualified majority vote achieved was sufficient to validate the constitutional revision, thereby negating the need for a national referendum.

Bringing his address to a close with a question laden with significant implications, he mused, « What has truly changed in our younger brother and President? » He then articulated a hope that the Head of State would revert to what Sonko views as the foundational principles of his political commitment and honor the pledges made to the people of Sénégal.