Senegal Parliament Approves Constitutional Changes to Curb Presidential Powers Amid Political Crisis

Senegal’s parliament has approved controversial constitutional amendments that expand parliamentary authority and reduce some presidential powers, amid escalating political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Although passed by the National Assembly, the government has stated the amendments will not take effect immediately. The changes will be submitted to the people through a referendum, though no date has yet been announced.

The constitutional reform, decided on Monday, emerged against a backdrop of heightened political friction between President Faye and Sonko, who was dismissed as prime minister and elected Speaker of the National Assembly last month.

The move has triggered widespread debate. Opposition groups view the initiative, proposed by Sonko’s Pastef party, as a form of political retaliation from the former prime minister, who is still considered to wield significant influence over the majority of parliamentarians.

Responding to calls from several opposition parties and civil society organisations, demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building to protest the amendments, carrying posters and chanting slogans such as “Don’t touch my constitution!” Security forces subsequently dispersed the protest by firing tear gas. Several opposition leaders and activists were also reportedly detained during the action.

In terms of substance, the constitutional reform grants greater authority to parliament. One key change obliges the government to provide parliament with information regarding agreements related to the exploitation of natural resources. Additionally, the amendments expand the powers of parliamentary inquiry committees, giving them a greater role in overseeing the government.

Another proposed change is the establishment of a Constitutional Court to replace the current Constitutional Council, which performs constitutional review functions. The new Constitutional Court will consist of nine members, up from the current seven-member council.

The reform also stipulates that the position of head of state can no longer be held concurrently with the leadership of a political party. Furthermore, the amendments limit the decisions the executive branch can make during the period between the presidential election and the official announcement of the results. The president’s power to dissolve the National Assembly will also be tightened through stricter oversight mechanisms than those currently in place.

The government has affirmed that all constitutional changes will be decided through a national referendum, though no schedule for the vote has been announced.