Ousmane Sonko’s surprising shift on constitutional council rulings

Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef party, has recently reversed his stance on the decisions handed down by the Constitutional Council, sparking widespread discussion. Just days after publicly endorsing the institution’s authority, he now questions its rulings, particularly one that invalidated a parliamentary text aimed at expanding the legislature’s powers at the expense of the president’s.

Ousmane Sonko’s earlier statement called for compliance with the Council’s decisions, emphasizing democratic stability. He declared at the time, “These rulings must be respected by all. In a democracy, when institutions operate within their designated roles, no crisis can arise.”

From compliance to criticism

Yet during the inauguration of Pastef’s headquarters in Touba, Sonko adopted a markedly different tone. Addressing supporters, he criticized the Constitutional Council’s decision, arguing that lawmakers should not be forced to draft legislation solely to align with the president’s agenda. “It’s alarming how this country is being governed,” he stated. His remarks also targeted the frequent recourse to the Council by the head of state, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. “The president refers to the Council almost weekly,” Sonko contended, highlighting what he views as an overreliance on the institution.