Senegal Police Disperse Constitutional Reform Protesters

Senegalese police fired tear gas on Monday to disperse protesters gathered outside parliament as lawmakers debated a constitutional amendment that has sparked political controversy.

The proposed amendment includes a provision that would prevent a sitting president from serving as the leader of a political party. Parliament approved the measure, but Justice Minister Moussa Sarr said it must still receive public approval through a national referendum before becoming law.

The reform has been backed by the ruling Pastef party, led by parliamentary speaker and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Although President Bassirou Diomaye Faye is a member of Pastef, he no longer occupies an official position within the party.

Opposition figures and civil society groups argue the proposed change could make it more difficult for President Faye to establish a separate political party ahead of the next election. They have also accused Sonko of seeking to strengthen his political influence after his removal as prime minister in May.

The constitutional debate has highlighted growing political differences between Faye and Sonko, particularly over governance reforms and the country’s economic challenges, including rising public debt.

The proposed amendment will only take effect if voters endorse it in a national referendum. No date has been set for the referendum.

SOURCE: Reuters