Pastef and allies mobilize citizens at National Assembly ahead of constitutional reform vote
via SeneNews2 min read
Pastef and its allies are organizing a citizen mobilization in front of the National Assembly on Monday morning to support deputies ahead of a crucial vote on a constitutional reform bill. This gathering is intended to be a key moment in the Senegalese political debate. A visual shared on social media calls for a "general mobilization" of "all patriots" before the examination of the constitutional reform. This initiative occurs amid intense debates surrounding proposed amendments to the text, which have created opposition between a segment of the presidential majority and several deputies. The Mayor of Dakar, Abass Fall, also invited Senegalese citizens to gather at the National Assembly to support parliamentarians who favor the reform. In a social media message, he emphasized the peaceful nature of the gathering and urged against any political exploitation, stating, "In calm and serenity, let's go support our deputies tomorrow for the vote on the constitutional reform bill. No party effigies, no partisan slogans! Only the people matter! I will be there incha Allah." Through this appeal, the Mayor of Dakar aims for a citizen-focused mobilization, centered on supporting the legislative process rather than partisan affiliations. The vote on the bill is anticipated with particular attention, as the constitutional reform has fueled significant controversy for several days, especially concerning amendments introduced in Parliament and their potential impact on institutional balanc
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadSenegal faces a potentially volatile day as the National Assembly prepares to examine a proposed constitutional revision. Concerns are mounting over possible clashes between supporters and opponents of the project, stemming from deep disagreements on the reform method. Calls for demonstrations have been issued by opposing camps, with both sides expected to mobilize heavily. Opposition parties, civil society organizations, and citizen movements are urging Senegalese citizens to gather and denounce a reform they deem rushed and insufficiently consultative. Conversely, Pastef activists have also announced their presence to support the revision proposed by the parliamentary majority. This anticipated confrontation between two irreconcilable factions is a primary concern, despite organizers' assurances of peaceful action. The fundamental disagreement centers on the constitutional reform itself. Opponents argue that amending the fundamental law requires broad national consensus and an inclusive dialogue involving political actors, citizen organizations, and social forces before any text review. They contend that a constitution should not be modified solely by a parliamentary majority, advocating for wider support to preserve institutional balances and prevent political division. Citizen platforms like Aar Sunu Constitution and Aar Sunu R茅publique are actively mobilizing, asserting their intent to defend fundamental republican principles and prevent a reform they believe could weake
Amadou Onana, the Belgian midfielder, is set to face Senegal in the World Cup 2026 round of 16, a match he anticipates will be emotionally challenging. Born and raised in Colobane, Senegal, until age 12, Onana maintains strong ties to his home country, where much of his family still resides. He expressed to his maternal uncle, L茅o, who lives in Dakar, that he is unsure how he will feel hearing the Senegalese national anthem, describing it as potentially "too strong" emotionally. Onana also conveyed a reluctance to play against the Lions of Teranga, specifically mentioning his deep relationship with Idrissa Gana Gueye, and doubting his strength to face them. Despite playing internationally for Belgium, Senegal holds a special place in his heart, with memories of his childhood and early football experiences in Dakar. He tries to visit Senegal annually, emphasizing its lasting importance to him. This personal history adds a unique dimension to the Belgium-Senegal match, with the national anthem moment expected to be particularly poignant for Onana.
Must ReadTeachers in the Dakar suburbs, members of the Syndicat des enseignants libres du S茅n茅gal Sels, are threatening to boycott invigilation duties for the upcoming 2026 Baccalaureate exams. This action stems from the non-payment of allowances for invigilation and correction from the previous Baccalaureate session. The Sels sections of the Pikine-Gu茅diawaye Academy Inspectorate, covering the departments of Pikine, Gu茅diawaye, and Keur Massar, have called on all elementary school teachers, both public and private, to withhold their participation until all outstanding allowances are paid. The union states that despite multiple efforts, a significant number of teachers are still awaiting their due payments. According to Sels, explanations from the Academy Inspectorate indicate that the Baccalaureate Office provided only a partial release of funds for these allowances, and the delay in transferring the remaining balance is preventing full payment to teachers. The union warns that it reserves the right to take any legal union action if its demands are not met and directly appeals to the Minister of National Education, the Minister of Finance and Budget, and the Baccalaureate Office to find a swift solution.