Senegal’s constitutional council gains new president with diagne’s appointment

In a solemn ceremony held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, Senegal’s new president of the Constitutional Council, Ousmane Diagne, was officially sworn in, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s judicial institution. The magistrate’s installation follows his appointment through presidential decree number 2026-1318, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on July 13, 2026.

Diagne takes over from Mamadou Badio Camara, whose passing in Dakar on April 10, 2025, left the council without leadership for over a year. The vacancy underscored the urgency of filling the role to ensure constitutional oversight and electoral integrity in Senegal.

An experienced judicial leader at the helm

Ousmane Diagne brings extensive experience to the position, having served in several key judicial roles. Prior to his appointment, he held the positions of Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal, First Advocate General at the Supreme Court, and Prosecutor of the Republic. He also served as Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in the first government led by Ousmane Sonko.

The selection of Diagne aligns with the legal criteria required for the role. According to Senegal’s constitutional framework, the president of the Constitutional Council must be a magistrate with prior experience as a First President or Attorney General of the Supreme Court, a Chamber President, a tenured law professor, a State Inspector General, or a lawyer with at least 20 years of practice.

Upholding constitutional integrity and electoral fairness

The Constitutional Council plays a critical role in Senegal’s governance, tasked with ensuring constitutional compliance, reviewing the legality of laws, and supervising the fairness of elections. With Diagne at its helm, the institution is poised to strengthen its oversight functions while maintaining transparency and adherence to legal principles.

His leadership comes at a time when Senegal’s judicial system faces heightened scrutiny, particularly regarding electoral processes and constitutional reforms. As the council’s new president, Diagne is expected to navigate these challenges while reinforcing public trust in the judiciary.