Senegal Parliament Approves Sweeping Constitutional Reforms Amid Growing Rift Between President Faye and Speaker Sonko
Senegal has entered a new phase of political uncertainty after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a series of controversial constitutional reforms aimed at reducing presidential powers while significantly expanding the authority of Parliament.
The reforms, passed after intense debate in the National Assembly, have sparked widespread public controversy and protests outside Parliament, highlighting the deepening political divide between President and his former ally, .
The proposed constitutional changes mark one of the most significant political developments in Senegal since Faye and Sonko swept to power together in 2024 on a shared promise to transform the country’s governance through sweeping democratic reforms. However, what was once regarded as one of Africa’s strongest political alliances has rapidly deteriorated into a fierce power struggle that now threatens to reshape the country’s political landscape.
Power Struggle Intensifies
Relations between President Faye and Sonko have steadily worsened over recent months, largely due to disagreements over the government’s handling of Senegal’s economic challenges, particularly its growing public debt.
The conflict reached a turning point in May when President Faye dismissed Sonko from his position as Prime Minister. Despite his removal from the executive branch, Sonko retained enormous political influence through the ruling Pastef party, which controls 130 of the 165 seats in the National Assembly. Shortly afterward, lawmakers elected him Speaker of Parliament, placing him at the center of the country’s legislative power.
The latest constitutional amendments are widely viewed as the clearest indication yet of the escalating rivalry between the two leaders.
Key Constitutional Changes
The reforms seek to strengthen Parliament’s oversight of government while limiting several presidential powers.
Among the most notable proposals are:
– Expanding Parliament’s investigative authority to hold the executive more accountable.
– Requiring the government to disclose agreements involving Senegal’s natural resources to lawmakers.
– Establishing a new Constitutional Court with nine judges to replace the current seven-member Constitutional Council.
– Preventing a sitting president from simultaneously serving as leader of a political party—a provision many observers believe directly targets President Faye.
– Restricting the president from signing certain laws during the transition period between a presidential election and the inauguration of a president-elect.
– Granting parliamentary committees broader investigative and oversight powers.
Supporters argue these reforms will reinforce democratic institutions by creating a stronger balance between the executive, legislature and judiciary.
Protests Erupt as Opposition Rejects Reforms
The parliamentary debate was accompanied by demonstrations outside the National Assembly, where police used tear gas to disperse protesters opposing the proposed amendments.
Inside Parliament, opposition lawmakers staged a walkout, accusing the ruling majority of attempting to manipulate the Constitution for political advantage.
Opposition parties, along with several civil society organisations, have condemned the reforms and demanded that the legislation be withdrawn immediately.
Critics argue that rather than strengthening democracy, the amendments are driven by political rivalry and could deepen divisions within the country’s leadership.
Referendum Planned
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr announced that President Faye intends to submit the constitutional reforms to a nationwide referendum, allowing Senegalese citizens to decide whether the amendments should become law. However, no date has yet been announced for the vote.
Speaker Sonko has questioned whether the president has the constitutional authority to call a referendum after Parliament has already approved the reforms with a substantial majority.
The disagreement has added another layer of uncertainty to Senegal’s political future.
A Defining Moment for Senegal
As political tensions continue to rise, Senegal finds itself at a crucial crossroads. The outcome of the proposed referendum and the ongoing rivalry between President Faye and Speaker Sonko could significantly influence the country’s democratic institutions, governance and political stability in the years ahead.
With both leaders commanding considerable public support and political influence, many observers believe the coming months will be decisive in determining the future direction of one of West Africa’s most closely watched democracies.
