Ousmane Diagne has been officially sworn in as the new president of Senegal’s Constitutional Council, marking a pivotal moment for the country’s highest judicial authority. The ceremony, held in Dakar on August 11, 2026, formalized his appointment following a year-long vacancy left by the passing of his predecessor, Mamadou Badio Camara, in April 2025.
The president of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, appointed Diagne to the role through presidential decree number 2026-1318, signed on July 13, 2026. The decree followed a rigorous selection process, ensuring Diagne met the strict eligibility criteria set by Senegal’s constitutional laws.
With a distinguished career in Senegal’s judiciary, Diagne brings extensive experience to his new role. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal, the First Advocate General at the Supreme Court, and as the Prosecutor of the Republic. His legal expertise was further recognized during his tenure as Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in the first government led by Ousmane Sonko.
Senegal’s Constitutional Council holds a critical responsibility in safeguarding the nation’s constitutional order. Its duties include ensuring the constitutionality of laws, overseeing electoral processes, and resolving disputes that challenge the integrity of the republic’s legal framework. The appointment of Diagne, a magistrate with deep institutional knowledge, underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening judicial independence and constitutional governance.
The council’s mandate has recently been thrust into the national spotlight, particularly in relation to high-profile legal and political cases. Diagne’s leadership is expected to play a decisive role in shaping the council’s future decisions and reinforcing public trust in Senegal’s judicial institutions.
