Civil society in Sénégal is calling for total transparency. Following the National Assembly’s adoption of a constitutional reform bill supported by Pastef deputies on Monday, June 29, the Y’en a marre movement has stepped forward. This citizen collective, active for fifteen years, emphasized the necessity of putting this text to a referendum before it is enacted, a path previously suggested by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The group expressed concerns over a deteriorating political atmosphere, citing “political calculations” and “schemes” that mirror outdated governance practices.
The movement suggests that the ongoing rivalry between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko is the true driver behind these constitutional adjustments. Aliou Sané, the founder of the collective, supports the executive’s promise of a referendum but insists on guarantees of integrity. He stated that the announcement of a public vote must not be a stalling tactic to bypass Pastef‘s initiatives, urging that citizens be given the opportunity to fully understand and decide on these reforms.
Allegations of external influence
The collective also criticized the resurgence of old tactics aimed at silencing dissent. Since voicing opposition to the Pastef approach, members of the movement claim they have been labeled as part of an “LGBT lobby” by supporters and figures within Ousmane Sonko’s party. In Sénégal, where homosexuality is heavily stigmatized and legal penalties were increased last March, such accusations carry significant weight.
These are methods previously faced under the administrations of Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall. The movement clarified that while they are often falsely accused of being funded by external groups to destabilize the country, these claims are baseless. They noted the irony that those currently in power once stood alongside them and were outraged when Macky Sall used similar rhetoric against activists.
Finally, Y’en a marre condemned the detention of twelve individuals near the National Assembly during the vote on June 29. The group included nine young activists from the opposition party Alternative pour la relève citoyenne (ARC). Charged with “disturbing public order” and “participating in an unauthorized protest,” the detainees were released after several hours.
