Ousmane diagne to head Senegal’s constitutional council

In a significant development for African governance, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has named Ousmane Diagne as the new head of Sénégal’s Constitutional Council. This pivotal appointment, announced via a presidential communiqué on Monday, July 13, 2026, marks a prominent institutional comeback for the former Keeper of the Seals.

The highest judicial body in Sénégal is undergoing a leadership transition. President Faye officially appointed Mr. Ousmane Diagne as both a member and the president of the Constitutional Council, a decision formalized by decree n° 2026 – 1318. This move signifies a fresh direction for the nation’s supreme legal authority.

Mr. Diagne brings extensive judicial experience to his new role. His distinguished career includes serving as Public Prosecutor at the Dakar Court of Appeal and as the First Advocate General at the Supreme Court, demonstrating his deep understanding of the country’s legal framework.

Notably, Ousmane Diagne previously held the position of Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, within the inaugural government led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko at the start of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s mandate. Although he was later removed during subsequent cabinet reshuffles, his current elevation to the presidency of the Constitutional Council represents a major return to the forefront of Sénégal’s institutional landscape.

He assumes leadership following the passing of the esteemed Mamadou Badio Camara, a revered figure in Senegalese justice whose absence created a void in this crucial institution. The Constitutional Council, frequently called upon to resolve institutional and electoral disputes—such as recent deliberations concerning constitutional amendments—will now be guided by this seasoned judicial and governmental veteran. This appointment is a key moment in African current affairs, reinforcing the stability of Sénégal’s legal and political systems.