DAKAR, Senegal— (Horn post) Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced plans to hold a national referendum on a major constitutional reform package after lawmakers overwhelmingly approved a controversial bill aimed at reducing presidential authority and expanding the powers of parliament and the prime minister.
Senegal’s National Assembly voted Monday in favor of the constitutional amendment in a tense session marked by heated political confrontations, an opposition boycott and clashes outside parliament as protesters attempted to storm the building.
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr told lawmakers that President Faye had formally decided to submit the approved constitutional changes to a nationwide referendum, allowing Senegalese citizens to make the final decision on the reform package.
The proposed amendment would significantly shift the balance of power within the West African nation’s government by strengthening the authority of parliament and the office of the prime minister while reducing executive powers traditionally held by the presidency.
The legislation was introduced by the ruling PASTEF party, which controls 130 of the National Assembly’s 165 seats. Party officials said the reforms are intended to create a stronger separation of powers and establish a more balanced relationship between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.
The political debate comes weeks after President Faye removed former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko from office in May. Sonko was later appointed Speaker of the National Assembly, a move that intensified political tensions within the country.
Opposition leaders and civil society groups have strongly criticized the constitutional proposal, arguing that parliament is being used as a political tool to weaken the presidency.
During Monday’s parliamentary debate, tensions escalated after an opposition lawmaker who demanded a delay in the vote refused to leave the podium after his motion was rejected. Security officers later removed the legislator from the chamber, prompting nearly all opposition lawmakers to walk out in protest.
Outside parliament, approximately 50 opposition supporters, mainly affiliated with the Alliance for the Republic party of former President Macky Sall, attempted to enter the National Assembly building.
Security forces responded with tear gas after protesters threw stones at police officers. Several arrests were reported.
The referendum is expected to become one of Senegal’s most significant political tests in recent years as the country debates the future balance of executive and legislative power.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
Hargeisa, Somaliland
