Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye faces debate on extending presidential term to seven years

Former minister‑counselor Arona Ndoffène Diouf has suggested lengthening Senegal's presidential mandate from five to seven years, saying he would propose the change to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye if his Kiiiray party wins a parliamentary majority. The idea sparked immediate criticism. Political analyst Abdoulaye Mbow dismissed the proposal as a personal publicity stunt, arguing Diouf seeks attention rather than presenting a genuine constitutional reform.

Academic Fallou Koundoul, a professor and head of the think‑tank Pragmatisme Social Démocrate, warned that altering the term would be legally complex, politically risky and not a priority for the current administration. He emphasized that the five‑year term reflects a sovereign choice of the Senegalese people and that pressing issues such as employment, health and education should take precedence.