Senegal constitutional reform: civil society demands a referendum free from political maneuvering

The push for constitutional change in Sénégal has reached a critical juncture. Following the National Assembly’s approval of a reform bill spearheaded by Pastef lawmakers on June 29, the prominent citizen movement Y’en a marre has stepped forward to demand transparency. The group, which has been a fixture of Senegalese civil society for 15 years, is insisting that the proposed changes be put to a national referendum before being enacted, as previously suggested by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

However, the movement is raising alarms about the current political atmosphere, citing a return to questionable tactics and “political calculations” reminiscent of past administrations. According to Y’en a marre, the reform process appears to be caught in the middle of the ongoing political dynamic between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.

Aliou Sané, the founder of the collective, expressed support for the promised referendum but called for genuine sincerity from the executive branch. He emphasized that the announcement of a public vote should not be a mere dilatory tactic used to bypass legislative hurdles. Instead, he argued that the process must allow citizens the opportunity to fully grasp the implications of the reforms and make an informed decision.

Allegations of smear campaigns

The collective also voiced deep concern over the use of stigmatization to discredit dissenting voices. Since taking a stand against the current legislative path, Y’en a marre reports being targeted by Pastef supporters who have labeled them as an “LGBT lobby.” In Sénégal, where homosexuality is strictly repressed and social stigma is high, such accusations are particularly damaging.

Sané pointed out the irony of these attacks, noting that similar strategies were employed by the Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall administrations. He recalled that those currently in power once stood alongside the movement and were equally offended when such labels were used to silence critics in the past.

The tension surrounding the reform was further highlighted by the arrest of twelve individuals near the National Assembly on the day of the vote. Among those detained were nine young activists from the Alternative pour la relève citoyenne (ARC). Although they were released after a few hours, the charges of “disturbing public order” and participating in an unauthorized demonstration underscore the friction between the government and opposition groups during this constitutional transition.