Senegal: ousmane sonko challenges president faye over constitutional commitments

Unprecedented tensions are emerging at the highest levels of the Senegalese government following the review of the nation’s Constitution. After the National Assembly adopted the proposed legislation, Ousmane Sonko, who presides over the institution, publicly voiced his strong disapproval of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko accused President Faye of attempting to alter constitutional provisions that he himself had vigorously defended during his time in opposition.

Addressing the deputies, Ousmane Sonko emphasized that this constitutional overhaul is the culmination of more than a decade of political deliberation. This extensive work was shaped by the outcomes of the national dialogue and the diligent efforts of various expert commissions. In Sonko’s view, such deeply rooted commitments cannot be undermined by the individual preferences of a single leader.

“The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye,” Sonko declared, condemning the head of state’s perceived intention to backtrack on specific clauses. These include the mandatory declaration of assets at the conclusion of a presidential term and the prohibition preventing the President of the Republic from simultaneously leading a political party.

“One cannot simply take a foundational text, review it article by article, and then decide: no, I no longer wish to declare my wealth upon leaving office; no, I want to remain the leader of a political party,” the President of the National Assembly firmly stated.

According to Ousmane Sonko, this approach signifies a clear departure from the historical pledges made by the Pastef party since 2014. He further accused the head of state of having begun to “manipulate” the reform project, selectively retaining only those provisions deemed personally advantageous.

“He started to discern what suited him, and what did not, as President of the Republic,” Sonko asserted. Despite these sharp criticisms, Ousmane Sonko urged Bassirou Diomaye Faye to formally promulgate the law passed by the deputies. He maintained that the qualified majority vote achieved is sufficient to validate the constitutional revision, rendering a national referendum unnecessary.

Concluding his powerful address with a profound question, Sonko mused, “What has changed in our younger brother and president?” He then expressed his earnest hope that the head of state would revert to what he considers the foundational principles of his political engagement and honor the solemn promises made to the Senegalese people.