The highest judicial institution in Senegal is undergoing a major renewal. In an official announcement released this Monday, July 13, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed respected jurist Ousmane Diagne as the new President of the Constitutional Council. This landmark decision, formalized through Decree No. 2026-1318, marks a significant institutional shift at the heart of the country’s legal system.
Ousmane Diagne, a seasoned legal professional with decades of experience, returns to a position he previously held during the initial government of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. His appointment follows the passing of former council president Mamadou Badio Camara, whose absence left a considerable void in this critical institution.
a seasoned jurist with extensive experience
Before his brief stint as Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in the first Sonko administration, Diagne served as Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal and First General Advocate at the Supreme Court. His deep understanding of Senegal’s legal framework and constitutional matters makes him exceptionally qualified for this role.
His return to the Constitutional Council comes at a pivotal moment. The institution has recently been at the center of major institutional and electoral disputes, including the contentious constitutional reform process. Diagne’s appointment signals continuity in addressing these critical national issues while bringing fresh legal expertise to the council’s operations.
This decision reflects President Faye’s commitment to strengthening Senegal’s democratic institutions through experienced leadership at the highest judicial levels.
