The National Assembly of Senegal has greenlit a sweeping constitutional revision, with 129 deputies from the ruling Pastef coalition casting their votes in favor despite a boycott by the opposition. The landmark decision, taken on June 29, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political landscape.
Speaker of Parliament Ousmane Sonko took the floor to address a growing rift with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over key provisions in the amended constitution. His remarks underscored concerns about the erosion of core democratic principles.
« We still hold out hope. It’s never too late to return to what truly matters—the very soul of our political commitment. I never imagined such a rapid shift in stance, » Sonko remarked, addressing the Head of State directly.
Patrimonial transparency under scrutiny
Sonko’s statements zeroed in on the issue of presidential asset declarations. He reminded that the initial proposal mandated declarations both at the start and conclusion of a presidential term—a commitment President Faye himself had championed during his campaign. « The videos exist; they prove it. So why the sudden change of heart? » he questioned.
The Speaker emphasized that promises made to the Senegalese people must not be discarded based on convenience. « By what authority can one individual cherry-pick which provisions to uphold and which to discard? This is simply unacceptable, » he asserted.
Unraveling a shared political vision
The unfolding tensions lay bare the fractures between two of the nation’s most influential leaders—figures who once stood united behind the Pastef’s electoral triumph in March 2024. Their divergent stances on the constitutional reform now threaten to destabilize the very foundations of their alliance.
The Speaker’s remarks reflect a broader unease among citizens and political observers alike, as the country grapples with the implications of this sweeping legislative overhaul.
