Senegal's National Assembly has approved a contentious constitutional amendment designed to curtail presidential authority and enhance the legislature's role. The reforms, which include changes to how natural resource exploitation agreements are handled and strengthen parliamentary inquiry powers, will be subject to a national referendum, according to government statements.
The move comes amid heightened political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko, who was recently dismissed as prime minister but elected as president of the National Assembly. The opposition has labeled the initiative, proposed by Sonko's party, Pastef, as an act of political retribution by the influential former prime minister.
Demonstrators gathered outside the parliament building to protest the proposed changes, chanting slogans and waving placards. Police responded by deploying tear gas and detaining several opposition figures and activists.
Key provisions of the amendment include requiring the government to inform the legislature about agreements concerning the exploitation of natural resources. It also expands the investigative capabilities of parliamentary committees.
Additionally, the reform establishes a new Constitutional Court, which would comprise nine members, replacing the current seven-member Constitutional Council. Other proposed changes aim to prevent the head of state from simultaneously holding leadership positions in a political party. The amendment also seeks to restrict executive decisions made between a presidential election and the official announcement of results, and to impose stricter controls on the president's power to dissolve the National Assembly.
The government has stated its intention to hold a referendum on these changes, though a date for the vote has not yet been specified.