Senegal’s new constitutional council chair appointed after reform

In Senegal, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Ousmane Diagne as the new Chair of the Constitutional Council, effective July 13. Diagne, who previously served as Minister of Justice, takes over from the late Mamadou Badio Camara.

This appointment follows the high court’s ruling on the constitutional reform bill adopted by the National Assembly. The decision marks a key victory for President Faye, who had referred the matter to the Council for review.

However, the outcome was not in favor of the Pastef party, led by Ousmane Sonko, which had spearheaded the constitutional amendment effort. The party viewed the Council’s decision as a setback for their reform agenda.

The Constitutional Council in Senegal plays a critical role in upholding constitutional law, overseeing electoral disputes, and ensuring the fairness of elections.