Senegal constitutional reform sparks deep rift between president and parliament speaker

Senegal's parliament is grappling with a contentious constitutional reform project, sparking significant political friction. The bill, introduced on June 29, has immediately become a focal point of discord between the ruling coalition, Diomaye Président, and the PASTEF party, led by Ousmane Sonko, who now presides over the parliament.

The core of the dispute lies in last-minute alterations to the draft, which supporters of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye claim distort the original intent. They accuse PASTEF of introducing changes that undermine the project's goal of reducing presidential powers. Faye's allies have quickly labeled these actions as political maneuvering, with some suggesting Sonko harbors a "revanchist position" following his dismissal from the prime minister's office last month.

This constitutional debate further exacerbates the growing divide between President Faye and Sonko, once close allies who united to win power. Their current strained relationship, bordering on a complete breakdown, casts a shadow over the reform's prospects for improving governance in Senegal.

The controversy has resonated beyond political circles, with civil society groups like the Mouvement citoyen "Yen a marre" questioning PASTEF's approach and calling for broader consultations. President Faye's supporters argue that the significant changes warrant a national referendum to seek the people's approval. Despite these calls, the majority parliamentary group, dominated by PASTEF's 130 out of 165 deputies, has defended the bill's merits and procedural regularity. The situation highlights the deep political divisions and the uncertain path ahead for Senegal's governance reforms.