Politics Senegal

Senegal’s constitutional council blocks Pastef reforms, weakening Sonko

The Constitutional Council of Senegal has struck down the institutional reform proposed by the ruling Pastef parliamentary majority, dealing a fresh blow to Ousmane Sonko’s political ambitions. The decision, announced yesterday, invalidated key provisions of the reform, citing unconstitutional irregularities and procedural flaws during its adoption.

Central to the council’s ruling was the absence of a clear funding mechanism for the proposed constitutional court, a cornerstone of the reform. Additionally, the court found that parliamentary procedures were violated when the government’s amendments were examined, particularly regarding the failure to apply the vote bloqué procedure as required by the Constitution.

Political analysts highlight the fragility of Sonko’s position following the ruling, which comes amid escalating tensions between him and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The reform, championed by Sonko’s allies, aimed to rebalance institutional powers but was framed by opponents as an overreach by the ruling party.

Reactions and constitutional concerns

Adji Diarra Mergane Kanouté, a former lawmaker and leader of the USD/A party, emphasized that while the ruling halts the reform’s immediate implementation, it does not permanently close the door on future legislative efforts. She noted that any revised proposal must comply with constitutional provisions, including Article 82, which mandates compensatory funding for new public expenditures like elections or the constitutional court.

“The council’s decision underscores that even with a parliamentary majority, constitutional safeguards must be respected,” Kanouté stated. “The lack of inclusivity in drafting this reform raised serious concerns about its legitimacy.”

Divisions in the ruling coalition

One of the reform’s most contentious elements was the expansion of parliamentary investigative powers, which would have allowed deeper scrutiny of natural resource contracts and other previously restricted domains. The council’s rejection of these provisions has intensified debates within the ruling coalition.

Ousmane Sonko acknowledged the council’s decision in a social media statement, while allies of President Faye reiterated their commitment to institutional stability and ongoing reform discussions. Dr. Binette Ndiaye, coordinator of the Citizen Forum, praised the council’s role in upholding constitutional checks and balances.

“This decision sends a strong message that governance in Senegal must be inclusive,” Ndiaye remarked. “Even with a majority, leadership must engage in meaningful dialogue to avoid eroding public trust.”

Escalating political tensions

The council’s ruling arrives at a critical juncture in Senegal’s political landscape, where relations between Sonko and President Faye have deteriorated visibly. Sonko, who was removed from the Prime Minister’s post in May, had since positioned himself as a vocal critic of the administration, describing the current dynamic as a “cohabitation”.

Political observers warn that the ruling could deepen the rift between the two leaders, further destabilizing the government and reshaping Senegal’s political trajectory in the months ahead.