Senegal Parliament Approves Constitutional Reforms Limiting Presidential Powers

Senegal's parliament approved constitutional reforms that expand the powers of lawmakers and the prime minister while limiting those of the president. The measures also create a new Constitutional Court and bar a sitting president from leading a political party.

The government stated the reforms will be submitted to a national referendum. After the vote, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced that voters will decide the changes.

The vote prompted protests outside parliament.

Police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Opposition lawmakers walked out, accusing the ruling Pastef party of advancing a politically motivated agenda. They argued the reforms weaken the presidency and were adopted without broad consultation. The reforms strengthen oversight by the National Assembly and the prime minister while curtailing presidential authority.