President Faye opts for constitutional referendum amid political standoff with National Assembly
via SeneNews1 min read
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has decided to hold a referendum on constitutional revision, shifting the decision to the electorate. This move initiates a political struggle with the National Assembly, which is increasingly at odds with the executive. The decision is seen as an institutional gamble, as submitting the revision to a referendum rather than relying solely on parliamentary approval creates significant political uncertainty and potential high costs. Sources close to the government describe this option as an attempt to regain control from a National Assembly perceived as unfavorable to the executive. A parliamentary vote that approved the revision proposal but rejected government amendments has deepened the rift between the presidency and the legislature. This division is now seen as extending beyond technical reform issues, evolving into a political confrontation. The presidential entourage is closely observing the consolidation of a parliamentary majority seen as autonomous and sometimes diverging from the executive's directives. The decision to use a referendum is viewed as a way to transfer the decision-making power to the voters. However, some internal advisors are already assessing the risks of this strategy, as the referendum involves more than just a technical revision.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup has drawn reactions, including from Morocco. Moroccan defender Mohamed Chibi, who was not selected for the World Cup squad despite being called up for the 2025 AFCON, criticized Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw on social media. Chibi, a right-back for Pyramids FC, posted a message on Instagram saying, "Go there and cry," along with a photo of Thiaw taken in Morocco during a match where the Senegalese coach was instructing his players to leave the field. This post comes amid ongoing rivalry between the two national teams. The sporting relationship between Senegal and Morocco has been affected by events following the 2025 AFCON final. After Senegal's victory on Moroccan soil, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation appealed to the Confederation of African Football CAF, which initially awarded Morocco a win by forfeit. Senegal then took the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS, leaving the matter awaiting a final decision and the continental title's status uncertain.
Must ReadSenegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup round of 16 against Belgium, with a 3-2 loss, has left the team with a strong sense of frustration. The Lions were leading by two goals late in the match but ultimately saw their dream vanish. Krépin Diatta, visibly affected after the final whistle, offered no excuses. The Senegalese full-back attributed the defeat not to tactical considerations, but primarily to a lack of determination in the final minutes of the game. He stated, "We're not going to stand here talking about small details. I think it's primarily a question of mindset. When you're leading 2-0 in the 84th minute, you have to be the boss in your box. You have to do everything. If you have to put your head in, put your body in, you have to do it. You have to be a boss." Through these words, Krépin Diatta took responsibility for the team and emphasized the need for more character in decisive moments. This clear analysis reflects the deep disappointment of the Lions, who were very close to qualifying before conceding in the final moments of the match.
Must ReadA petition calling for the immediate dismissal of Senegal's national football team coach, Pape Thiaw, has garnered over 35,000 signatures. This online petition follows Senegal's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, where they lost 3-2 to Belgium after initially leading 2-0. The signatories, addressing the president of the Senegalese Football Federation FSF and its executive committee members, attribute the team's early exit to a series of questionable tactical decisions and disputed squad management by Thiaw throughout the competition. Critics highlight his prolonged reliance on certain key players at the expense of integrating a new generation. The match against Belgium is cited as a prime example of frustration, with late substitutions and incomplete use of the five allowed replacements being criticized. The petition also points to a consistent lack of tactical responsiveness and concerns over the management of physically diminished players in earlier matches. The authors of the petition advocate for a new sporting direction for the FSF, urging for a different cycle led by a technical staff better aligned with the team's evolution and capable of developing young Senegalese talent.