The power struggle in Senegal escalated on Friday when the parliament passed a proposal for constitutional reform, yet President Bassirou Diomaye Faye refused to sign the bill. Instead, he announced plans for a referendum to allow the public to vote on the proposed amendments. This decision comes amid protests in Dakar, where demonstrators expressed their discontent with the proposed changes.
Parliamentary Debate and Protests
On the day of the vote, tensions flared outside the parliament building as protesters rallied against the proposed new constitution. Security forces intervened, using tear gas to disperse the crowd. Inside, lawmakers engaged in heated debates, with opposition politicians boycotting the vote and some even storming the podium. A lawmaker was forcibly removed by security, highlighting the chaos surrounding the legislative process.
Despite the turmoil, the ruling party, PASTEF (African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Brotherhood), managed to pass the reform proposal. However, the absence of President Faye's signature means that the final decision now rests with the electorate in a forthcoming referendum.
Key Changes Proposed in the Constitution
The proposed constitutional amendments aim to limit the powers of the incumbent president and enhance parliamentary oversight. Initiated by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, the reforms include:
- Replacing the Constitutional Council with a Constitutional Court.
- Increasing the number of members in the court.
- Ensuring parliament is informed of investment agreements related to natural resources.
- Preventing the president from simultaneously serving as the chair of a political party.
These changes have been described by Aminata Toure, chair of the presidential coalition, as an effort to weaken the president's influence and strengthen the National Assembly's power.
Impact of Faye and Sonko's Rivalry
The rivalry between President Faye and former ally Sonko has become increasingly pronounced since they took power together in 2024. Their initial alliance has deteriorated, leading to open criticism and conflict over governance issues, particularly regarding Senegal's debt. In May, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister and dissolved the coalition government, further igniting tensions.
Despite these conflicts, Sonko retains significant support in parliament, having been elected as the party chairman and speaker of the National Assembly. Analyst Malao Kante noted that Sonko's position may present a new face for opposition, albeit one that holds a parliamentary majority, which could complicate governance in Senegal.
The decision to hold a referendum has been met with approval from many protesters, who argue that significant changes should involve public consensus. Young protester Pape Abdou Ndiaye emphasized the importance of discussing reforms before implementation, reflecting a broader sentiment among the Senegalese populace.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by DW English. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
