In a significant political development, Senegal’s parliamentary majority, led by the Pastef party, has successfully passed a new constitutional revision law. The bill secured 129 votes in favor, despite a strong boycott from opposition members. The opposition’s walkout followed the expulsion of one of its prominent figures, Abdou Mbow, from the legislative chamber after he refused to yield the floor.

Minister of Justice Moussa Sarr represented the government during the session, advocating for four proposed amendments. However, these governmental changes were unanimously rejected by the majority Pastef deputies. Our correspondent was present at the National Assembly to witness the proceedings.

Opposition stages boycott

Opposition lawmakers vehemently accused Ousmane Sonko, the President of the National Assembly, of violating internal parliamentary rules, leading to their collective decision to boycott the session.

They characterized the constitutional revision, put forth by Pastef, as an act of “forfaiture” – a term implying an abuse of power or betrayal of public trust.

Aïssata Tall Sall, who chairs the opposition parliamentary group, voiced her strong disapproval.

“Our objective has been achieved,” she declared. “It was crucial to demonstrate to the world that what is unfolding in the National Assembly is nothing short of dictatorship, an act of betrayal. Gendarmes were mobilized to remove a deputy who was simply exercising his right to speak. This is precisely what we wanted the world to see. Mission accomplished.”

Government and Pastef at odds

Justice Minister Moussa Sarr’s four amendments were ultimately struck down by Pastef deputies. These proposals aimed to address what Sarr viewed as a fundamental imbalance between the powers of the president and the National Assembly, tipping the scales too heavily in favor of the latter.

He articulated his concerns, stating: “This revision impacts major constitutional matters and alters the traditional balance of our governance system: the rationalization of censure motions, limits on the right of dissolution, procedures for appointing members to the Constitutional Court, and its alignment with our fundamental statutes and international commitments. Indeed, expanding the ability to file a motion of censure ten times during a single legislative term, while granting the President of the Republic only one dissolution right during their mandate, fundamentally disrupts the established institutional equilibrium.”

Divergence between Diomaye Faye and Sonko camps

A notable point of contention between the Pastef party and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye centers on the mandatory declaration of assets at both the beginning and end of a presidential term. This divergence, according to Ousmane Sonko, should not exist, as he emphasized these were previously agreed-upon commitments.

“The President of the Republic has selectively adopted parts of the text, retaining only what suits him,” Sonko asserted. “The Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye. To claim, ‘no, I will no longer declare assets at the end of my term,’ or ‘no, I want to be a party president,’ when these were commitments made during a political dialogue, championed by the party… For over a decade, we have fought this battle together. By what right can a single individual decide to cherry-pick and keep only what benefits them?”

Ousmane Sonko has urged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to promulgate the newly passed law. Conversely, the head of state intends to submit the text for a national referendum.

The constitutional reform also triggered protests from opposition groups and civil society organizations earlier this Monday morning, taking place in proximity to the National Assembly building.