Senegal’s constitutional reform: civil society demands a referendum free from political manipulation

Civil society organizations in Senegal have welcomed the constitutional reform process initiated by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, but insist it must proceed through a referendum to ensure transparency and public trust. The call comes from Y’en a marre, a grassroots movement that has been at the forefront of citizen advocacy for over 15 years.

The collective argues that the reform should not be used as a political tool to sidestep democratic accountability. Aliou Sané, the movement’s founder, emphasized the need for genuine civic engagement: “The referendum announcement must not serve as a delaying tactic to undermine the efforts of the Pastef party. We must move forward with reforms, but ensure citizens have the space to understand and decide for themselves.”

Confronting political tactics reminiscent of past regimes

The movement has sharply criticized the return of divisive political strategies, including attempts to discredit critics through baseless accusations. Y’en a marre has faced repeated allegations—denounced as unfounded—of being a “LGBT lobby” backed by foreign interests. Such claims, the group notes, echo tactics used during the presidencies of former leaders Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall.

Sané recalled the hypocrisy of those now in power, who previously stood alongside the movement in rejecting similar accusations. “We know this is a highly sensitive issue in Senegalese society. When Macky Sall made these claims, today’s leaders were right there with us, condemning such rhetoric.”

Arrests and tensions surge during constitutional vote

Tensions escalated on June 29, as twelve activists—including nine members of the opposition party Alternative for Citizens’ Renewal (ARC)—were detained near the National Assembly. They were charged with “disrupting public order” and “participating in an unauthorized protest,” but released hours later. The incident underscores the growing polarization as the constitutional reform takes center stage.