On Monday, the 129 deputies present in the chamber gave their unanimous approval to a proposed overhaul of the Constitution. This legislative project, championed by the Pastef party, aims to significantly bolster the authority of both the Parliament and the Prime Minister while redefining the executive reach of the President of the Republic.
A custom-made reform for Ousmane Sonko?
Despite the consensus in the Assemblée nationale, the move has drawn sharp criticism. Members of the presidential coalition and various opposition parties claim that the new framework is specifically designed to benefit Ousmane Sonko. The former Prime Minister, who now serves as the head of the legislative body, is seen by many as the primary beneficiary of these expanded legislative powers.
In response to the growing debate, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has decided to submit the text to a national referendum. This choice has sparked further speculation: is the vote a genuine exercise in democratic consultation, or a tactical political move to manage internal tensions and public perception?
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