Constitutional reform in Sénégal sparks institutional standoff

The political landscape in Sénégal is entering a turbulent new phase as the relationship between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko takes a confrontational turn. After being removed from the premiership on May 22, Ousmane Sonko quickly transitioned to the head of the National Assembly just days later, setting the stage for a significant power struggle between the two leaders.

This shift has triggered a direct collision between the executive and legislative branches. The core of this friction lies in a proposed constitutional overhaul that has effectively divided the nation’s leadership into two opposing camps, leading to a visible fracture in the state’s institutional balance.

A major shift in the institutional framework

On June 29, the National Assembly, where the Pastef party holds a dominant majority of 130 out of 165 seats, moved forward with a proposal for constitutional revision. However, the proceedings were marked by high tension from the outset. Before the formal examination began, the Minister of Justice, Me Moussa Sarr, clarified that the final adoption of the text would be subject to a national referendum.

The legislative process has been fraught with disagreement. Earlier, the law commission dismissed four amendment proposals submitted by the government, signaling deep-seated resistance. During the heated session on June 29, the atmosphere reached a breaking point, resulting in opposition lawmakers exiting the chamber in a coordinated protest against the reform measures.

This legislative push, championed by the parliamentary majority, seeks to fundamentally alter the country’s institutional architecture, even as the political divide continues to widen within the halls of power.