In a decisive move to silence political speculation, Ousmane Sonko, President of Senegal’s National Assembly, has firmly rejected allegations that lawmakers delivered an ultimatum to the country’s President. Speaking before a joint session of lawmakers reviewing labor and social security codes, Sonko addressed the growing rumors surrounding the constitutional revision process.

« The claim is completely false. No ultimatum was issued to the President, » Sonko declared, firmly shutting down any suggestion of institutional tension or coercion against the executive branch. He emphasized that the legislative process remains strictly within constitutional bounds, with no intent to pressure the presidency regarding the expected opinion on the constitutional reform bill.

Sonko underscored that the ongoing constitutional revision follows the legal framework set by the Constitution and reinforced by the Constitutional Council’s jurisprudence. He highlighted the 2006 Constitutional Council ruling, which affirms the National Assembly’s authority to initiate revisions provided a three-fifths majority is secured—a condition he described as fully met in this case.

No state crisis, just institutional dialogue

Addressing concerns about a potential rift between state institutions, Sonko dismissed the notion of any crisis at the highest levels of government. « Those expecting a crisis at the summit of the state will have to look elsewhere, » he stated, reaffirming the smooth functioning of Senegal’s democratic institutions. He described the current process as a normal exercise of constitutional powers, where each branch operates within its defined role under judicial oversight.

The Assembly President rejected claims that the legislative initiative amounted to an overreach or an attempt to pressure the executive. Instead, he framed the revision as a long-debated public issue now advancing through institutional channels. « The focus must remain on upholding the constitutional mechanisms in place, » he concluded, signaling that the process will proceed regardless of the executive’s formal response.