The Senegalese National Assembly has officially approved a sweeping constitutional reform bill in a decisive session held on June 29, 2026. Despite a coordinated boycott by opposition lawmakers, the legislation secured overwhelming support from the 129 ruling Pastef party deputies present in the chamber.
Following the vote, Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, addressed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye directly, highlighting growing rifts over key provisions in the revised text. Speaking with measured urgency, he emphasized the need for adherence to core democratic principles.
« We must never lose sight of what truly matters, » Sonko stated. « It is perplexing to witness such a rapid shift in stance on fundamental issues. I had not expected this level of inconsistency so soon. »
The dispute centers on the presidential asset declaration requirement. Initially, the bill mandated that the president submit a full declaration both upon taking office and at the end of their term. However, certain provisions have since faced pushback, raising concerns about weakened transparency measures.
« When the president was a candidate, he clearly stated that asset declarations should be mandatory at the start and conclusion of a mandate, » Sonko argued. « The public record is clear. What has changed? »
He went on to question the justification for selective application of the law. « Who granted one individual the authority to cherry-pick which rules apply? This is unacceptable, » he declared.
The public exchanges underscore deepening divisions between two of Senegal’s most influential political figures, despite their shared origins as architects of the Pastef movement that propelled Faye to victory in the 2024 presidential election.
