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Senegal's power struggle: Referendum to decide on constitutional reform Senegal's constitional reform has caused considerable political uproar. The public will now be asked to vote on the proposed amendments. Under a new constitution, the powers of President Faye would be reduced.

Constitutional reforms aim to curtail Presidential powers in Senegal ... Constitutional reforms aim to curtail Presidential powers in Senegal Politics Senegal November 28, 2024 Save as PDF Lagos, Nigeria – The Senegalese government has proposed a constitutional reform aimed at reducing presidential powers and reintroducing the position of vice-president, abolished in 2012. The initiative marks a significant step towards bolstering democratic governance in a country ranked 58th in the Global Democracy Index, ahead of African peers such as Kenya, which ranks 70th. According to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the reform seeks to establish a more balanced system of checks and balances, drawing inspiration from Ghana, where parliamentary autonomy is greater. Currently, Senegal’s president holds 75% of executive authority compared to Ghana’s 55%. The government aims to reduce this concentration to 60% by 2025. Experts believe these changes will enhance international confidence in Senegal, attract investments, and strengthen the business environment. The reform is set to be put to a national referendum in March 2025, with over 70% of the population expected to back the initiative.

Senegal MPs Pass Reform Limiting Presidential Powers - allAfrica.com The parliament hasapprovedcontroversial constitutional reforms that expand lawmakers' powers while limiting those of the president, deepening a growing rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and parliamentary Speaker Ousmane Sonko. The reforms, which the government says will be put to a national referendum, would strengthen parliamentary oversight, create a new Constitutional Court, and prevent a sitting president from leading a political party. Senegal:Senegal MPs Pass Reform Limiting Presidential Powers allAfrica, 1 July 2026 The parliament has approved controversial constitutional reforms that expand lawmakers' powers while limiting those of the president, deepening a growing rift between President…Read more » National Assembly Speaker and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonkohas assuredhis compatriots that there will be no "tearing apart" of the country in the wake of his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. In his first interview since assuming his new role, Sonko said while there may be political differences or disagreements over policy programs, "there will be no division" of Senegal. P…

Senegal's power struggle: From leadership allies to bitter rivals Senegal's constitional reform has caused considerable political uproar. The public will now be asked to vote on the proposed amendments. Under a new constitution, the powers of President Faye would be reduced.

Constitutional amendment in Senegal reduces presidential powers | AP News President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addresses the 80th session of the UN General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Monday, Sept. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis, File) DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Members of Senegal’s National Assembly on Monday adopted a controversial constitutional amendment that expands their role and reduces presidential powers, but the government said it will be put to a referendum. The constitutional reform comes as political tensions rose betweenPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former prime minister,Ousmane Sonko, who was dismissed andelected as the president of the National Assemblylast month. The opposition views the initiative, proposed by Pastef, Sonko’s party, as political revenge by the former prime minister, who retains significant influence over the parliamentary majority. Responding to calls from several opposition parties and civil society organizations, demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building to denounce the changes, waving placards and chanting the slogan “Hands off my Constitution!” Police fired tear gas and detained several opposition lead…

Senegal: Senegal MPs Pass Reform Limiting Presidential Powers [allAfrica] The parliament has approved controversial constitutional reforms that expand lawmakers' powers while limiting those of the president, deepening a growing rift between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and parliamentary Speaker Ousmane Sonko.

Senegal MPs back sweeping constitutional reform | Africanews Police fired tear gas as protesters clashed with security outside Senegal's National Assembly, where lawmakers approved a major constitutional reform that would significantly reduce presidential powers. The bill, backed by the ruling Pastef party, shifts more authority to parliament and the prime minister in what supporters describe as a move to rebalance power between the executive and the legislature. Opposition lawmakers boycotted the vote after one MP was forcibly removed from the chamber, while demonstrators outside tried to breach the Assembly before being dispersed by police. Opponents argue the reforms weaken the presidency and were pushed through without broad political consultation. Following the vote, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the proposed constitutional changes will now be put to a national referendum, giving Senegalese voters the final say on the country's political future.

Senegal MPs Pass Landmark Electoral Law, Clearing Path for PM Ousmane ... World Africa Politics Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp Senegal MPs Pass Landmark Electoral Law, Clearing Path for PM Ousmane Sonko’s 2029 Presidential Bid In a decisive move that could reshape Senegal’s political landscape, the National Assembly has overwhelmingly approved changes to the country’s electoral code, removing key legal barriers that previously disqualified Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from running for president The bill passed with 128 votes in favour, 11 against, and 2 abstentions. It was fast-tracked under an emergency procedure and is now headed to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye for signature. Opposition parties have criticized the process and may challenge it at the Constitutional Council.9782aa Why This Matters: Sonko, 51, was barred from the 2024 presidential race due to a conviction. His ally Faye won that election and appointed him Prime Minister. Tensions have simmered between Faye and Sonko, sparking speculation that the firebrand PASTEF leader is eyeing the 2029 top job himself. The reform directly targets provisions that had blocked his candidacy, potentially paving the way for his ret…

Senegalese lawmakers pass divisive reform curbing presidential powers - ABC News Senegal's National Assembly has adopted a controversial constitutional amendment that expands its role and reduces presidential powers DAKAR, Senegal --Members of Senegal's National Assembly on Monday adopted a controversial constitutional amendment that expands their role and reduces presidential powers, but the government said it will be put to a referendum. The constitutional reform comes as political tensions rose betweenPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his former prime minister,Ousmane Sonko, who was dismissed andelected as the president of the National Assemblylast month. The opposition views the initiative, proposed by Pastef, Sonko's party, as political revenge by the former prime minister, who retains significant influence over the parliamentary majority. Responding to calls from several opposition parties and civil society organizations, demonstrators gathered in front of the parliament building to denounce the changes, waving placards and chanting the slogan “Hands off my Constitution!” Police fired tear gas and detained several opposition leaders and activists. The reform strengthe…

Senegal president Faye to call referendum on constitutional reform limiting his powers Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will call a referendum on a proposed constitutional amendment that would strengthen the power of parliament and the prime minister, the country's justice minister said Monday. The country's National Assembly overwhelmingly backed the reform in a vote earlier in the day that saw roughly 50 opposition protesters attempt to storm the building.

Senegal MPs back constitutional reform reducing president's power - Vanguard News June 29, 2026 Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye gives a joint press conference with the German Chancellor at the Chancellery in Berlin on June 23, 2026. (Photo by John MACDOUGALL / AFP) Senegal’s National Assembly passed a bill revising the balance of power between the country’s executive and parliament on Monday, prompting the president to announce a national referendum on the matter. The bill was passed by an overwhelming majority in a tense atmosphere marked by heated exchanges, an opposition boycott and scuffles outside the building during which police used tear gas, AFP journalists saw. The measure strengthens the powers of the National Assembly and the prime minister, while effectively curtailing the powers of the president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The Pastef party, led by Faye’s rival and former prime minister Ousmane Sonko, proposed the measure. Faye fired Sonko as prime minister in May and Sonko was swiftly named speaker of the National Assembly, which is controlled by Pastef. The opposition and various civil society organisations have criticised the amendment. “Parliament is …