During his recent tour across the Baol region, Ousmane Sonko significantly intensified his criticism of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Convening in Touba this Sunday, where he inaugurated the Pastef-Touba headquarters before leading a discussion on current political challenges, the Pastef leader directly addressed the Constitutional Council’s ruling that invalidated the constitutional revision bill. He openly challenged the reasoning behind this pivotal decision.
Initially, Sonko, who serves as the President of the National Assembly, had urged respect for the high court’s decision, asserting its universal binding nature. However, his tone shifted dramatically in Touba. He launched a direct attack on what he perceives as the President’s repeated and systematic referrals to the Constitutional Council, stating, “Every week, he will seize the constitutional council.” This statement underscores his belief that the Head of State is excessively utilizing the Council’s arbitration to circumvent parliamentary initiatives.
Ousmane Sonko further challenged the very foundation of the Council’s ruling, declaring, “The constitutional council cannot say that deputies must vote laws that please the President of the Republic.” This was a direct rebuke to the seven judges, whose invalidation was based on procedural grounds, specifically citing the absence of compensatory resources for new public expenditures created by the text and a failure to adhere to the blocked vote procedure. The Pastef leader concluded his remarks with a solemn warning: “What is happening in this country is serious.”
These statements from the National Assembly President mark a significant shift from his earlier communication, which initially adopted a more conciliatory institutional posture following the July 9 decision. They coincide with the Pastef tour in Baol, initially framed as a grassroots engagement and territorial strengthening effort, now appearing to evolve into a political counter-offensive. This move comes amid the Presidency’s own efforts to consolidate power, evidenced by recent meetings with hundreds of mayors and the announced impending creation of its own political party.