Ousmane Sonko’s evolving stance on the Constitutional Council
Constitutional Council: After initial calm, Ousmane Sonko shifts his discourse entirely
Ousmane Sonko has recently displayed a notable inconsistency in his pronouncements regarding the Constitutional Council, transitioning from an appeal for adherence to its rulings to sharp criticism. During the inauguration of Pastef’s headquarters in Touba, he vehemently condemned what he described as the President’s undue influence over laws passed by deputies, labeling the situation as «grave.»
Ousmane Sonko has decidedly altered his stance concerning the Constitutional Council. His position appears to have shifted significantly within a mere few days. Following the Council’s decision to invalidate a bill adopted by the National Assembly — a text designed to bolster parliamentary powers at the expense of those of the President of the Republic — the leader of Pastef had initially advocated for respecting the ruling.
«This decision is binding on everyone! (…) In a democracy, when institutions fulfill their roles, each within its designated sphere of action, no crisis can arise,» Ousmane Sonko had affirmed at the time. However, at the inauguration ceremony for Pastef’s new premises in Touba, the political figure delivered a markedly different address. Before his supporters, he launched a strong critique against the decision rendered by the seven members of the Constitutional Council.
«The Constitutional Council cannot dictate that deputies must vote on laws that are pleasing to the President of the Republic. What is happening in this country is serious,» he declared. Ousmane Sonko also questioned the Head of State’s frequent appeals to the Constitutional Council. «Every week, he refers matters to the Constitutional Council,» he asserted, in an apparent reference to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.