Following the Constitutional Council’s recent decision to invalidate constitutional bill n° 18/2026, the reaction from Sénégal’s second-highest state official was highly anticipated. Ousmane Sonko, the President of the National Assembly, has now officially addressed the verdict. While sidestepping the specifics of the legal arguments, the parliamentary leader firmly reiterated his commitment to the institutional framework, declaring: « This decision applies to everyone! Let it be noted! »

a testament to “democratic vitality”

Far from interpreting the outcome as a setback or a sign of institutional fragility, the head of the legislative branch chose to adopt a positive stance, commending the robust functioning of the Senegalese model. For him, this sequence of events serves as clear evidence of the nation’s vibrant democratic health.

« In a democracy, when institutions fulfill their roles, each within its designated scope of action, no crisis can emerge », Ousmane Sonko emphasized, thereby dispelling any concerns about a potential institutional impasse between the executive, legislative, and judicial powers.

focus on future reforms

Looking ahead to impending legislative initiatives and promised reforms, the President of the lower house offered reassurance regarding the continued progress of parliamentary endeavors. There is no intention of slowing down.

He assured the Senegalese populace that the National Assembly « will continue to fully carry out the mission entrusted to it », before forcefully asserting that « laws will be voted on or rejected to honor the commitments made to this valiant and dignified people ». The message is clear: parliamentary work will proceed, adhering strictly to the principles of republican governance.