DAKAR, Senegal — Police fired tear gas Monday to disperse protesters outside Senegal’s parliament as lawmakers approved a contentious constitutional amendment that critics say could reshape the country’s political structure and deepen divisions within the ruling coalition.
The proposed reform, which still requires approval in a national referendum, includes a clause barring a sitting president from serving as leader of a political party. Supporters argue the measure is intended to strengthen governance institutions, while opponents say it risks concentrating political power within rival factions.
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr told lawmakers that although parliament had endorsed the amendment, it cannot take effect without voter approval in a referendum.
The vote comes amid growing political friction in Senegal, with opposition parties, civil society groups and a coalition backing President Bassirou Diomaye Faye calling for the bill’s withdrawal.
The reform effort is being driven by the ruling Pastef party, led by Parliament Speaker and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Although Faye remains a member of Pastef, he no longer holds an official leadership position in the party structure.
Critics argue the amendment could restrict Faye’s ability to establish an independent political platform ahead of the next election, further fueling tensions between him and Sonko, his former political ally.
Opponents, including several civil society organizations, have described the proposal as an attempt by Sonko to consolidate political influence following his dismissal as prime minister by Faye in May.
The dispute has widened political divisions within Senegal’s leadership, exposing disagreements over constitutional restructuring, governance priorities and the country’s response to a growing debt burden.
Faye was elected two years ago with Sonko’s backing after the former opposition leader was barred from running due to a defamation conviction. Their once-close alliance has since fractured into political rivalry, reshaping Senegal’s internal power dynamics.
The parliamentary approval is expected to heighten tensions ahead of a referendum that will determine whether the amendment becomes law.
