Senegal's Constitutional Council invalidates constitutional reform

Senegal's Constitutional Council declared the constitutional revision law n°18/2026 adopted on 29 June unconstitutional, citing major procedural violations – the creation of new public charges without financing and the failure to respect the constitutionally required blocked‑vote procedure. The decision came after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye petitioned the court to review the law.

National Assembly president Ousmane Sonko responded by saying, “Cette décision s’impose à tous ! Dont acte!” and affirmed that Parliament will continue to exercise its constitutional duties. Minister of Industry and Trade Serigne Gueye Diop announced that the government will no longer hold a referendum on the reforms, stating “Il n’y aura plus de référendum. C’est clair et net.” He said future reforms will follow the ordinary legislative process, with draft bills moving through the standard parliamentary route, although the Assembly is currently on a three‑month recess.

Cheikh Bâ, president of the Union of Magistrates of Senegal, defended the role of the judiciary, describing the Council’s ruling as a normal expression of democratic checks and balances.

The ruling effectively halts the current constitutional amendment project and places the future modernization of the Constitution under the president’s direct initiative and the regular legislative timetable.