Senegal Constitutional Council blocks institutional reform bill

Senegal's Constitutional Council has invalidated an institutional reform bill passed by the National Assembly, halting a legislative effort that had sparked a power struggle between the presidency and parliament.

The law, supported by the majority Pastef party, sought to revise the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches. The reform would have strengthened the authority of the National Assembly, led by Ousmane Sonko, and the Prime Minister, while effectively restricting the powers of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

President Faye had filed a petition of unconstitutionality, citing violations in the constitutional revision procedure. The Council justified its decision based on two primary factors: the failure to provide revenue to fund a new Constitutional Court proposed by the law, and the Assembly's failure to follow proper procedures for government amendments during plenary sessions.