Tensions rise as Ousmane Sonko questions the President’s role in constitutional amendments
Following the National Assembly’s adoption of the proposed constitutional revision, Ousmane Sonko took the opportunity to detail the journey of this reform while placing the blame for recent controversies squarely on the shoulders of the Head of State. He argued that any manipulation of the text originated from the President of the Republic himself. According to him, the President reviewed the document to select only what served his interests, reminding the public that the Constitution is not the personal property of Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
The President of the National Assembly provided specific examples of provisions he claims were intentionally discarded by the Head of State. Among these were the requirement for a declaration of assets at the end of a presidential term and the formal prohibition of the President of the Republic from leading a political party. He questioned the legitimacy of such a process, asking why a single individual should be permitted to filter through laws to keep only those that are convenient, calling the situation entirely unacceptable.
Ousmane Sonko also clarified the legal hierarchy regarding constitutional authority. He asserted that the President does not hold constituent power. Instead, he explained that the National Assembly acts as the derived constituent power, while the ultimate or original constituent power belongs to the citizens when they are called to participate in a referendum.