The Constitutional Council of Senegal has delivered a decisive blow to the institutional reform agenda championed by the ruling Pastef party. In a ruling issued yesterday, the Council invalidated the reform package, declaring it unconstitutional. The reform, designed to rebalance institutional powers, had been adopted by the National Assembly where the ruling party holds a comfortable majority.

The decision was prompted by a direct appeal from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The Council identified two critical irregularities: the absence of a funding mechanism for the proposed constitutional court and procedural violations during parliamentary consideration of government amendments.

Ousmane Sonko, who has seen his political influence wane following his removal from the prime ministership in May and subsequent appointment as National Assembly president, acknowledged the ruling through a social media statement. The situation reflects growing tensions between Sonko and the head of state, with Sonko recently describing their relationship as a “cohabitation.”

political fallout and future prospects

Political reactions were swift. While the presidential coalition praised the proper functioning of institutions, civil society leaders like Dr. Binette Ndiaye, coordinator of the Citizen Forum, welcomed the ruling as a necessary safeguard against unilateral constitutional changes.

“As a civil society member, I believe this is a commendable initiative. Before implementing this law, there should have been a more inclusive process. The fact that a single political party attempted to amend constitutional provisions without prior dialogue or consensus is problematic. The Constitutional Council has rightly reminded us that even with a majority, we must consider the views of all citizens,” stated Dr. Ndiaye.

Adji Diarra Mergane Kanouté, former MP and leader of the USD/A party, emphasized that while the ruling blocks the immediate implementation of these reforms, it does not preclude future legislative efforts. “The Council’s decision does not mean the National Assembly cannot initiate another revision, provided it complies with constitutional procedures, particularly regarding the funding of public charges such as elections and the constitutional court,” she noted, citing Article 82, paragraph 2 of the Constitution.

political tensions escalate

The Council’s decision arrives amid escalating tensions between Senegal’s two most prominent political figures. Observers suggest this ruling may mark a turning point in the power struggle at the heart of the Senegalese government, potentially reshaping the country’s political landscape in the coming months.