The Senegalese National Assembly passed a constitutional amendment bill on Monday, June 29, 2026, with overwhelming support from the ruling Pastef party’s 129 MPs, despite opposition boycotts of the plenary session.

Following the vote, Assembly President Ousmane Sonko addressed lingering disagreements with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over key provisions in the revised text. Speaking directly to the head of state, Sonko emphasized the importance of upholding core political principles.

« We still have hope. It’s never too late to refocus on what truly matters—the essence of our shared political vision. I find it difficult to believe such fundamental shifts could occur in such a short time, » Sonko remarked.

Sonko raised concerns about the presidential asset declaration requirement, pointing out that the original proposal mandated declarations both at the start and end of a president’s term—until last-minute adjustments were introduced. « He himself stated during his campaign that presidents must declare assets upon entering and leaving office. The videos exist. What has changed? » Sonko questioned.

deepening rifts in Senegal’s leadership

The disagreement highlights growing tensions between two of the country’s most influential leaders, who once united under the Pastef banner to secure victory in the 2024 presidential election. Sonko condemned the selective application of constitutional provisions, stressing that commitments made to the Senegalese people cannot be altered based on convenience.

« On what grounds can one individual decide which provisions apply and which do not? This is unacceptable, » he asserted.