Ousmane Sonko refutes allegations of ultimatum to Senegal’s president

Senegal’s National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko has categorically dismissed rumors suggesting an ultimatum was issued to the country’s president regarding the constitutional reform process. He emphasized the importance of institutional clarity and urged calm understanding of the legislative steps being taken.

Sonko clarifies parliamentary role in constitutional reform

During a plenary session reviewing the Labor Code and Social Security Code, Sonko addressed a growing political controversy surrounding the constitutional revision process. He firmly rejected claims that an ultimatum had been delivered to the head of state, calling such assertions entirely unfounded.

« This is false; we did not issue an ultimatum to the president, » Sonko stated, dismissing any suggestion of institutional tension or pressure on the presidency as part of the ongoing legislative procedure. He stressed that the parliamentary initiative strictly adheres to constitutional provisions and does not represent a challenge to executive authority.

Constitutional reform remains within legal boundaries

The Assembly President highlighted that the constitutional amendment process falls under the pouvoir constituant dérivé, a derivative constituent power clearly defined in the Constitution and reinforced by Constitutional Council jurisprudence. He pointed to the January 18, 2006 ruling by the Constitutional Council as a key precedent confirming the National Assembly’s authority to initiate revisions with a three-fifths qualified majority.

Sonko dismissed political interpretations suggesting institutional conflicts, asserting that no crisis exists between state powers. Instead, he framed the process as a normal functioning of institutions within a structured « dialogue among powers. » Each constitutional body, he noted, operates within its defined competencies under the oversight of the Constitutional Council.

No confrontation, only constitutional compliance

Addressing concerns about potential executive overreach or pressure, Sonko firmly rejected the notion of institutional confrontation. He insisted that the Assembly’s initiative neither usurps executive authority nor imposes conditions on the presidency. « Those expecting a crisis at the highest level of the state can look elsewhere, » he remarked, reaffirming the continuity of the parliamentary process.

In concluding, Sonko underscored that the constitutional revision will proceed according to established legal procedures, regardless of whether the executive formally expresses its opinion. His message centered on stability, legal rigor, and the preservation of institutional mechanisms as outlined in the Constitution.