Political Crisis Deepens in Senegal as Faye and Sonko Clash Over Reforms
Relations between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko deteriorated over several months, with Sonko publicly criticizing Faye's handling of Senegal's debt problems.
In May, Faye dismissed Sonko as prime minister. However, Sonko's Pastef party holds a majority in the National Assembly, and Sonko was subsequently elected parliamentary speaker by MPs.
The political rift has now escalated into a constitutional crisis, with both leaders vying for control over the country's legislative future.
Proposed Constitutional Reforms
Pastef proposed a sweeping set of constitutional reforms aimed at strengthening parliamentary oversight. Key proposals include:
- Expanding lawmakers' investigative powers
- Requiring government disclosure of agreements about natural resources to parliament
- Creating a Constitutional Court with nine members to replace the current Constitutional Council (seven members)
- Prohibiting a sitting president from serving as leader of a political party. This provision is widely seen as targeting President Faye, who remains a Pastef member but holds no official party role.
- Barring a president from signing certain acts between a presidential election and the inauguration of the president-elect
- Expanding the powers of parliamentary committees
Parliamentary Debate and Opposition
On Monday, police used tear gas to disperse protesters outside parliament during the debate. Inside, opposition MPs staged a walkout in protest.
Pastef stated the reforms aim to strengthen the separation of powers.
"This is political revenge by Sonko, who retains influence over the parliamentary majority," opposition leaders said.
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr announced President Faye's intention to submit the matter to a public referendum. Sonko questioned the president's authority to do so, arguing the reforms were validly adopted with majority support.
Opposition and civil society groups have criticized the amendments and called for the withdrawal of the bill.
The standoff marks a critical test for Senegal's democracy, as two former allies now battle over the limits of executive and legislative power.