Ousmane Sonko criticizes President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over constitutional reform

Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, delivered a critical address regarding the constitutional revision bill, targeting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko stated that the reform, which he presented as the culmination of over ten years of political commitments, should not be undermined by the will of a single individual. He asserted that the Constitution does not belong to Bassirou Diomaye Faye and criticized the head of state for seeking to modify provisions he had previously supported while in opposition. These provisions include the mandatory declaration of assets at the end of a presidential term and the prohibition against the President leading a political party. Sonko argued that this approach deviates from the commitments Pastef has upheld since 2014 and accused the President of selectively retaining only favorable provisions. Despite his strong criticisms, Sonko urged Bassirou Diomaye Faye to promulgate the law adopted by the deputies, stating that the National Assembly's qualified majority vote is sufficient to validate the constitutional revision without a referendum. Sonko questioned what had changed with the President and expressed hope that the head of state would return to his political essence and honor commitments made to the Senegalese people.