Senegal political crisis as constitutional council blocks pastef reforms

The Constitutional Council of Senegal has dealt a fresh blow to Ousmane Sonko by rejecting the institutional reform pushed by his Pastef party majority. The decision, issued yesterday, Thursday, underscores the growing tensions between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the future of governance in the country.

The reform, adopted by the National Assembly where the ruling party holds a strong majority, aimed to rebalance powers between institutions. However, the Constitutional Council found it unconstitutional, citing two major irregularities: the lack of a funding mechanism for the future Constitutional Court envisaged by the reform, and procedural breaches during parliamentary discussions on government amendments.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who initiated the review, emphasized the Council’s ruling as a safeguard for democratic principles. The decision effectively halts a legislative initiative that had sparked intense political debate across Senegal.

political fallout and constitutional roadblocks

Adji Diarra Mergane Kanouté, former MP and leader of the USD/A party within the Ensemble Demain coalition, highlighted the legal implications of the ruling. According to her, while the reform has been struck down, the door remains open for a revised proposal—provided it complies strictly with constitutional requirements, particularly regarding public funding for new institutions like the Constitutional Court.

“The Council’s decision confirms that even with a parliamentary majority, constitutional procedures must be followed. The absence of compensatory revenue mechanisms for new public institutions, as required by Article 82 of the Constitution, was a critical flaw. Additionally, the Assembly’s failure to apply the block vote procedure at the government’s request violated established norms,” she explained.

key provisions of the rejected reform

Among the most contentious elements of the reform was the proposed expansion of parliamentary investigative powers. The amendments sought to grant lawmakers broader access to contracts related to natural resource exploitation and enhance their oversight role in previously restricted areas. However, these provisions were also deemed incompatible with constitutional frameworks.

Political reactions were swift. Ousmane Sonko acknowledged the Council’s decision in a public statement, though the move is widely seen as a setback for his political agenda. Meanwhile, allies of Bassirou Diomaye Faye framed the ruling as a reinforcement of institutional checks and balances, stressing the need for inclusive dialogue before any future reforms.

Dr. Binette Ndiaye, coordinator of the Citizen Forum, praised the Council’s decision, emphasizing the importance of preserving constitutional integrity over partisan interests.

“This ruling sends a strong message: institutional reforms must be inclusive and transparent. A single party cannot unilaterally reshape constitutional provisions without broad consensus. The Council has reaffirmed that Senegal remains a republic where democratic principles take precedence over majority rule,” she stated.

escalating tensions at the heart of power

The Constitutional Council’s decision arrives amid deepening divisions between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko, who was removed from the post of Prime Minister in May, had since assumed the presidency of the National Assembly—a position that has amplified his influence but also intensified his rivalry with the head of state.

Observers describe the current climate as a ‘cohabitation’, a term borrowed from French politics to describe a delicate power-sharing arrangement between rival factions. The unresolved tensions and the blocking of key reforms signal a prolonged period of political instability, with potential repercussions for Senegal’s governance and international standing.