Senegal’s top court has struck down changes to the country’s constitution that would have altered the balance of power in government, ‌ruling against an amendment adopted by parliament.

Thursday’s Constitutional Court ruling found that the amendment adopted by the assembly on June 29 was “contrary to the constitution”.

The proposed changes included a provision prohibiting a sitting president from serving as the leader of a political party.

The push for constitutional reform has been driven by the ruling Pastef party, led by parliament speaker and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Critics of the proposed reforms said the amendment was an attempted power grab by Mr Sonko, who was dismissed as head of government in May.

The Constitutional Court said Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had asked it to review lawmakers’ procedures to detect violations that could invalidate the reform.

Analysts said the political upheaval related to the split between former allies Messrs Faye and Sonko could complicate Senegal’s efforts to resolve a crisis stemming from the disclosure of misreported debt in 2024.

However, Mr Sonko said on his social media platform, X, that he respected the court’s decision.

(Reuters/NAN)