The seismic shift unfolding in Senegal's parliament has far-reaching implications not just for West Africa, but also for the UK. As British investors and tourists navigate the complex landscape of international relations, understanding the tensions between Senegal's president and its lawmakers is crucial. This week, a significant majority of Members of Parliament approved constitutional reforms that significantly curb presidential powers while bolstering their own authority.
The proposed changes, led by the Pastef party with a parliamentary majority, aim to strengthen legislative oversight through measures such as expanding investigative powers for MPs and mandating government disclosure on natural resources agreements. Notably, the amendments would also establish a new Constitutional Court, replace the current Constitutional Council, and increase its membership from seven to nine. Perhaps most tellingly, they would prohibit a sitting president from leading a political party – a move widely seen as targeting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who remains a Pastef member despite no longer holding an official party role.
The roots of this legislative push lie in the fractured relationship between President Faye and parliamentary Speaker Ousmane Sonko. The two, once allies who rose to power together in 2024 on a platform of sweeping reforms, have seen their alliance crumble over several months. In May, President Faye dismissed Sonko as Prime Minister; despite this, Sonko was later elected as Speaker, retaining significant influence over the legislative agenda.
The opposition has branded these amendments an act of retribution by the former Prime Minister, who still wields considerable sway over the parliamentary majority. During the debate, Justice Minister Moussa Sarr announced that President Faye would submit the reforms to a national referendum, but Speaker Sonko questioned the President's authority to do so, asserting that the reforms were validly adopted with majority backing.
Outside the parliament building, police deployed tear gas against scores of protesters demonstrating against the proposed changes. Inside, tensions ran high as opposition MPs staged a walkout in protest. Various civil society organisations and opposition groups have condemned the amendments, calling for their immediate withdrawal.