The solemn swearing-in ceremony took place this past Tuesday, August 11, 2026, marking the official start of Diagne’s term at the helm of the country’s highest constitutional body.

Ousmane Diagne’s appointment was formalized through presidential decree number 2026-1318, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on July 13, 2026. He replaces Mamadou Badio Camara, who passed away in Dakar on April 10, 2025, leaving the institution vacant for more than a year.

With an extensive career in Senegal’s judicial system, Diagne brings decades of experience to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he served as Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal, First Advocate General at the Supreme Court, and Public Prosecutor. He also held the position of Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in the first government led by Ousmane Sonko before ascending to the presidency of the Constitutional Council.

The selection of Diagne aligns with the constitutional requirements for the position, which mandate that the president of the Council must be a magistrate with a distinguished career. This includes former First Presidents or Attorneys General of the Supreme Court, chamber presidents, esteemed law professors, or senior state inspectors with at least twenty years of professional experience. The Council’s responsibilities include upholding constitutional integrity, reviewing the constitutionality of laws, and ensuring the fairness of electoral processes across Senegal.