Ousmane Sonko blocks President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on constitutional reform

The National Assembly has officially ratified amendments presented by the parliamentary majority under the leadership of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. This move involved the explicit rejection of government-proposed changes during a high-stakes session focused on constitutional reform. This institutional friction underscores the intensifying rivalry between the executive branch and the legislature within the current political landscape in Sénégal.

A legislative showdown in Dakar

The ongoing deliberations regarding constitutional changes in the National Assembly have reached a critical turning point. A direct confrontation has emerged between the executive authority and the parliamentary majority, which is currently dominated by the Pastef party. The core of this disagreement lies in the amendments submitted by the government through Justice Minister Me Moussa Sarr.

In a decisive move, deputies followed the political direction set by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, rejecting the government’s proposals in their entirety. This development suggests a strategic effort by the legislative leadership to maintain strict control over the reform process, even if it means distancing the administration from the specific vision of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Eight hours of institutional tension

The technical commission spent nearly eight hours reviewing the proposed constitutional revision law. During these lengthy discussions, the atmosphere quickly shifted into an institutional duel. On one side stood the government, represented by Me Moussa Sarr, who championed the executive’s amendments. On the other, the parliamentary majority stood firm, signaling a clear departure from the President’s suggested path in favor of the Prime Minister’s stance.