A profound constitutional revision in Senegal has brought to light significant political friction at the very highest levels of government. Following the National Assembly’s approval of the proposed bill, Ousmane Sonko, who presides over the legislative body, openly voiced his disapproval of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko explicitly accused President Faye of seeking to alter specific constitutional clauses that he had vigorously championed during his time as an opposition figure.

Addressing the assembled deputies, Sonko underscored that this far-reaching constitutional overhaul is the culmination of more than a decade of comprehensive political deliberation. This extensive process was shaped by outcomes from national dialogues and the dedicated efforts of numerous expert commissions. He firmly asserted that such deeply rooted commitments should not be undermined by the personal inclinations of any single leader.

« The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye, » Sonko declared, sharply condemning the head of state’s perceived intent to retract certain key provisions. These include the mandatory declaration of assets at the conclusion of a presidential term and the prohibition against the President of the Republic simultaneously leading a political party.

« One cannot simply take a foundational document, scrutinize it article by article, and then declare: ‘No, I no longer wish to disclose my assets upon leaving office’; or ‘No, I now desire to be the head of a political party,’ » the National Assembly president emphatically stated.

From Ousmane Sonko’s perspective, this approach represents a significant departure from the Pastef party’s longstanding historical commitments, which have been in place since 2014. He further accused the head of state of initiating a process to « manipulate » the reform draft, selectively retaining only those provisions that would personally benefit him.

« He began discerning what suited him and what did not, in his capacity as President of the Republic, » Sonko asserted. Despite these pointed criticisms, Sonko extended an invitation to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to proceed with the promulgation of the law as passed by the deputies. He maintained that the qualified majority vote secured for the bill is sufficient to validate the constitutional revision, thereby rendering a national referendum unnecessary.

Bringing his address to a close with a poignant question, Sonko mused, « What has truly changed in our younger brother and president? » He then conveyed his earnest hope that the head of state would revert to what Sonko views as the foundational principles of his political commitment and honor the pledges made to the Senegalese populace.