Ousmane Sonko shifts stance on constitutional council’s ruling

Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Pastef movement, has sparked debate with his shifting remarks about the constitutional council’s recent decision. Just days after urging respect for the ruling, he publicly criticized it during an event in Touba, questioning the council’s impartiality.

From acceptance to criticism: Sonko’s evolving position

Ousmane Sonko’s position on the constitutional council’s decision appears to have undergone a significant transformation in a short span. Initially, following the council’s decision to invalidate a parliamentary text that aimed to expand the legislature’s powers at the expense of the president’s, Sonko had emphasized the importance of institutional respect. « This decision must be respected by all! (…) In a democracy, when institutions function within their designated roles, crises cannot arise,» he stated at the time.

However, during the inauguration of Pastef’s headquarters in Touba, Sonko delivered a starkly different message. Addressing his supporters, he condemned the council’s ruling, arguing that it undermines the legislative process. « The constitutional council cannot dictate that lawmakers must pass laws solely to please the president. This is a grave situation for our country,» he declared emphatically.

Mounting criticism of presidential interventions

Sonko also took aim at the frequent use of the constitutional council by the head of state, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. « The president refers to the council almost weekly,» he noted, suggesting that such repeated interventions distort the balance of power. His remarks reflect growing tensions between executive and legislative branches over the interpretation of constitutional roles.