Senegal’s constitutional reform praised by Ousmane Sonko for democratic progress

Dakar — In a landmark session on Monday, the National Assembly of Senegal approved a sweeping constitutional reform aimed at reinforcing democratic institutions and enhancing transparency in public governance. The move, spearheaded by the ruling parliamentary group Pastef-Les patriotes, marks a pivotal moment in the country’s political evolution.

Sonko commends reform as a milestone for Senegalese democracy

Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, hailed the constitutional amendments as one of the most significant steps forward in modernizing Senegal‘s democratic framework and ensuring accountable governance. Speaking during the plenary session reviewing Proposition de loi nº17/2026, he emphasized the reforms’ role in addressing longstanding challenges in public administration.

“This constitutional reform stands as a cornerstone for advancing Senegalese democracy and fostering unparalleled transparency in how public resources are managed,” Sonko stated. “It is not merely a procedural update but a transformative leap toward a more inclusive and responsible system.”

Parliamentary approval paves the way for presidential promulgation

Following the successful vote, the approved text has been forwarded to the President of the Republic for final enactment. Sonko dismissed concerns over potential delays, asserting that the Constitutional Council‘s validation of the process eliminates any ambiguity regarding its legitimacy.

“There is no need for invoking Article 103. I will simply request the President to promulgate this law in its entirety. The Constitutional Council’s binding decisions, which apply to all branches of government, have already confirmed both the adoption and approval of this text,” he explained.

The legislative journey of this reform stretches back years, with Sonko recalling how its core amendments emerged from sustained political engagement and national dialogue. “The changes we have integrated today reflect the culmination of extensive consultations and collective aspirations,” he noted.

Dialogue and inclusivity shape the reform’s path

While Sonko acknowledged the importance of political dialogue, he clarified that it operated outside formal institutional channels. He highlighted the broad participation of diverse political formations and civil society organizations in the discussions that shaped the reform’s final provisions.

“The dialogue was instrumental, though not institutionalized in the traditional sense. Yet, it brought together voices from across the political spectrum, ensuring the reform reflects the nation’s collective will,” Sonko remarked.

He also extended his congratulations to the deputies who championed the reform, praising their commitment to aligning the constitutional changes with the outcomes of these inclusive discussions.

Asset declaration: a commitment to transparency

In a related development, Sonko, formerly Prime Minister, reaffirmed his dedication to transparency by announcing he would declare his assets in the coming days. As required by law, he will submit a fresh declaration upon leaving government office, a process he plans to complete next week.

“I have already declared my assets as Prime Minister. The law grants me a three-month window to submit a new declaration post-office. I will fulfill this obligation next week,” he confirmed.