Senegal constitutional reform: civil society calls for transparent referendum free from political games

In Sénégal, civil society is demanding clarity following the National Assembly’s recent adoption of a constitutional reform bill. The movement Y’en a marre, a prominent citizen collective for over a decade and a half, has voiced its support for a referendum before any changes are finalized, echoing a proposal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. However, the group is warning against what it describes as “political calculations” and old-regime tactics that threaten the integrity of the process.

The push for reform, spearheaded by Pastef deputies, has sparked concerns about the underlying motivations. For Y’en a marre, the current situation appears to be an extension of the ongoing political dynamic between Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko. Aliou Sané, the movement’s founder, emphasizes that while a referendum is a positive step, it must be conducted with genuine sincerity rather than as a stalling tactic to outmaneuver political rivals. He insists that citizens must be given the time and resources to fully grasp the proposed changes before casting their votes.

Allegations of smear campaigns

The collective also expressed deep concern over the return of exclusionary tactics aimed at silencing dissent. Since questioning the current legislative approach, Y’en a marre reports being targeted by figures within the Pastef party, who have allegedly labeled the movement as an “LGBT lobby.” In Sénégal, where homosexuality is a deeply sensitive and highly stigmatized issue, such labels are used to socially and politically isolate critics.

Aliou Sané pointed out the irony of these accusations, noting that similar strategies were employed by previous administrations under Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall. He recalled that the very individuals now in power were once allies of the movement and had previously condemned such stigmatization when they were the ones being targeted by the former government.

Furthermore, the movement highlighted the recent arrest of twelve individuals near the National Assembly during the vote on the reform. This group included nine young activists from the opposition party Alternative pour la relève citoyenne (ARC). Although they were released shortly after being detained for “disturbing public order” and participating in an unauthorized protest, the incident has added to the growing tension surrounding Sénégal’s governance and the future of its constitutional framework.