Dakar, Senegal (Running Africa) — Senegal’s Constitutional Court has struck down a proposed bill that sought to reduce presidential powers and strengthen the authority of the National Assembly, delivering a significant legal setback amid growing political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former ally Ousmane Sonko.
The court ruled that the legislation was unconstitutional, preventing the proposed reforms from taking effect and marking the latest chapter in the increasingly public split within Senegal’s ruling leadership.
The bill, introduced by members of the governing African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), would have barred a sitting president from leading a political party or governing coalition while also expanding Parliament’s investigative powers over government affairs.
The ruling comes as relations between Faye and Sonko continue to deteriorate following Sonko’s dismissal as prime minister in May. Sonko now serves as Speaker of the National Assembly while remaining leader of the ruling PASTEF party, placing the two leaders at the center of an intensifying political power struggle.
The Senegalese government opposed the proposed constitutional changes, arguing that reforms of such significance required broader consultation among political stakeholders and should ultimately be decided through a national referendum.
The Constitutional Court’s decision is expected to have major political implications as Senegal prepares for the 2027 local elections, which are widely viewed as an early test of public support for both Faye and Sonko following the breakdown of their alliance.
Adding to the political uncertainty, President Faye has announced plans to establish his own political party, a move that could reshape Senegal’s governing coalition, redefine political alliances and intensify competition within one of West Africa’s most stable democracies.
Political analysts say the court’s ruling underscores the growing constitutional and political tensions in Senegal as the country navigates questions of executive authority, institutional reform and democratic governance ahead of the next electoral cycle.
