Tensions have flared within Senegal’s political leadership following the adoption of a constitutional reform bill. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, has publicly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, accusing him of abandoning core principles he once championed while in opposition.
The constitutional amendments, which passed through the National Assembly, were developed over more than a decade. They incorporated insights from national dialogues and expert commissions, Sonko emphasized. He stressed that these reforms were not designed to serve the transient preferences of a single leader but to establish enduring governance standards for the nation.
« The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye alone », Sonko declared, highlighting specific clauses the president appears poised to overturn. Among these are the requirement for presidents to declare their assets at the end of their term and the ban on presidents leading political parties.
« You cannot take a text, scrutinize it article by article, and then declare: I refuse to declare my assets; I want to lead a political party, » Sonko argued, underscoring the inconsistency in the president’s stance.
The dispute underscores a growing divide between Sonko’s vision for the reform and the direction favored by the head of state. Sonko alleged that the president has selectively adopted only those provisions that align with his personal interests, effectively cherry-picking the most advantageous elements of the reform.
« He has begun to cherry-pick what suits him as President and what does not, » Sonko stated bluntly. Despite his objections, Sonko urged the president to sign the bill into law, arguing that the qualified majority vote in the Assembly was sufficient to validate the changes without requiring a referendum.
In a pointed rhetorical question, Sonko asked, « What has changed in our little brother and President? » He appealed to the president to return to the foundational principles that once defined his political journey and honor the promises made to the Senegalese people.
