Sonko Moves to Amend Constitution, Launch Parliamentary Oversight of Presidential Finances in Senegal

Senegalese parliamentary speaker Ousmane Sonko—formerly prime minister before his earlier dismissal—has called for decisive parliamentary sessions to debate five contentious legislative proposals. The measures are expected to intensify political confrontation between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Constitutional amendment and financial oversight at center of dispute

According to Radio France Internationale, one of the five bills would amend Article 37 of Senegal’s constitution to mandate that the president publicly declare assets upon completion of a term in office. Another bill proposes the creation of a parliamentary committee tasked with monitoring secret financing received by the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister. That issue was central to the earlier rupture of the Faye–Sonko alliance.

Sonko leads the political party “African Patriots for Work, Ethics, and Brotherhood,” commonly known by its acronym PASTEF. The party holds an absolute majority in the National Assembly, enabling it to formally introduce these contested legislative initiatives.

Analysts warn of escalating political tension

Eric Iziba, a political analyst specializing in African affairs, told Erem News: “These bills will further heighten tensions between Sonko and Faye, particularly as PASTEF accuses the Senegalese president of using secret funds to finance his newly announced political party.”

Iziba added that “Senegal is entering a new phase of political polarization, as Faye is expected to respond by either urging the Constitutional Council to annul the laws if adopted—or by refusing to sign them, thereby rendering them void.” He stressed that “Sonko, for his part, will persist in defending his political influence and will not concede to Faye. In my view, we have entered a new phase of ‘bone-breaking’ confrontation between the two men—a development carrying severe implications for Senegal’s financial and political stability.”

Uncertainty over legislative outcome remains high

Political analyst Mohamed Ouall, also specializing in African affairs, noted that although PASTEF commands an absolute majority in parliament, “the fate of these bills remains uncertain; their adoption would open a major front of escalation in Senegal.”

Ouall told Erem News that “PASTEF may choose not to bring the bills to a vote in order to avoid opening that front—or it may proceed with voting. In response, Faye could seek to invalidate the laws through mechanisms including the Constitutional Council or by withholding his signature.”

He emphasized that “in all scenarios, the confrontation between Sonko and Faye has become more entrenched than ever—and risks triggering deep societal polarization.”