During a plenary session focused on labor and social security code amendments, Senegal’s National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko addressed growing political speculation surrounding the constitutional reform process. He immediately dismissed interpretations suggesting Parliament had issued an ultimatum to the Head of State.

« This is false; no ultimatum was issued to the President, » Sonko declared firmly, rejecting any notion of institutional tension or pressure on the presidency regarding the ongoing legislative procedure. He stressed that the parliamentary démarche is strictly constitutional, with no confrontation with the executive branch. According to him, the initiative aims to advance a national debate that has been ongoing for months.

In his detailed explanation, Sonko highlighted that constitutional reform falls under the derived constituent power, strictly regulated by the Constitution and the Constitutional Council’s jurisprudence. He pointed to the January 18, 2006 Constitutional Council decision as a key reference confirming Parliament’s capacity to conduct reforms requiring a three-fifths qualified majority.

« No crisis at the highest level of government »

Addressing political interpretations that suggested institutional tensions, Sonko downplayed the controversy, affirming there is no crisis between public authorities. Instead, he described the situation as normal institutional functioning within a framework of « dialogue between powers. »

Each constitutional body, he argued, exercises its powers without encroaching on others, all under the Constitutional Council’s oversight. Rejecting claims of institutional confrontation, Sonko emphasized that Parliament’s démarche does not constitute an usurpation or pressure on the executive branch. He concluded his statement by asserting that the constitutional reform process will proceed according to established procedures, regardless of the executive’s formal opinion.

« Those expecting a crisis at the highest level of government should look elsewhere, » he remarked, underscoring the continuity of the parliamentary process. Sonko maintained that the essential aspect lies in respecting the institutional mechanisms outlined in the Constitution, ensuring a stable and legally grounded framework.