Constitutional Council members resist proposed reform that would lead to their replacement
via SeneNews6 min read
A proposed constitutional revision by the PASTEF parliamentary majority has raised significant questions regarding the future of the Constitutional Council members. The reform, if approved, would replace the current Constitutional Council with a Constitutional Court, potentially leading to the removal of the current members from their positions. The existing Constitutional Council comprises seven members, while the proposed Constitutional Court would have nine members, including a president, a vice-president, and seven judges. The President of the Republic would appoint the members of the new Court. The current members of the Constitutional Council would effectively be validating a text that would dissolve their institution and their roles, with no guarantee of reappointment to the new Court. This situation presents a unique dilemma, as it would require the judges to approve a reform that organizes their own replacement. The Constitutional Council has previously demonstrated its independence, notably by annulling the postponement of the presidential election under former President Macky Sall and invalidating a law revising the amnesty voted under his presidency. Ousmane Sonko, leader of the Patriots, has criticized the Constitutional Council's decision to invalidate the constitutional reform, stating that it implies deputies can only pass laws with the President's consent, an interpretation he deems unacceptable and not provided for in the Constitution. He has urged President
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Pape Thiaw, 45, has been dismissed from his position as coach of the Senegal national team by the Senegalese Football Federation FSF following the team's performance in the World Cup. Senegalese footballer Dieynaba Ba stated that the dismissal does not surprise her, believing the coach is paying the price for the team's underperformance. Ba, an attacker for SO Ch芒tellerault, noted that Senegal's ambitions were high, aiming for the semi-finals, but the team faced difficulties in the group stages. She pointed out that the two teams Senegal lost to advanced to the quarter-finals. However, Ba also emphasized that Thiaw should not be solely blamed for the team's elimination, suggesting that the entire federation should be considered. This perspective aligns with other observers who believe that logistical, contractual, and governance issues also contributed to the team's failure at the World Cup.
Must ReadOusmane Diagne, a magistrate and former Minister of Justice, has been appointed President of the Constitutional Council. This appointment is seen as a recognition for Diagne, who is known for his strong convictions and ethical standards. He previously served as the first Minister of Justice under the Diomaye Faye administration and was the former Prosecutor General at the Dakar Court of Appeal, as well as the former first Advocate General at the Supreme Court. Diagne is described as competent, experienced, and incorruptible. His appointment to succeed Mamadou Badio Camara is notable, especially given his past stance on judicial independence. During a period when the new government and Pastef sought a "victors' justice" against figures from the Macky Sall regime, Diagne, then Minister of Justice, refused to interfere in judicial matters to serve political interests. This position led to friction, particularly with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who desired faster action on judicial cases related to previous protests. Diagne consistently maintained that "justice under influence is weakened justice." He advocated for referring each case to an investigating judge, allowing them full discretion to proceed objectively, without giving the impression of political retribution. While he did not remain Minister of Justice to complete his reforms, he now holds the significant responsibility of ensuring respect for the Constitution and the balance of powers as head of a major republican in
Khalilou Fadiga, former Senegalese international and advisor to President Abdoulaye Fall for international relations, shared his disappointment following the elimination of the Lions from the last World Cup against Belgium. He stated that his "honor and pride were touched" by the loss, which he felt was against a beatable opponent. Fadiga also addressed the departure of Pape Thiaw as head of the national team, acknowledging Thiaw's good work and expressing sadness over the decision, while emphasizing the need to respect the Federation's choice. Regarding the search for a new coach, Fadiga stressed the importance of competence and the ability to embrace Senegalese culture, rather than nationality. He clarified his own role within the Senegalese Football Federation, stating that he does not intervene in administrative or technical matters, and focuses solely on assisting the president with international decisions, without being an employee, Comex member, or decision-maker.