Senegalese prime minister raises constitutional options amid Pastef deadlock
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Senego
Senegalese Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô says the executive could use its constitutional powers if the political deadlock continues, while favouring dialogue with Pastef. The Constitution allows the National Assembly to be dissolved after consultation with the prime minister and its speaker, but not during the first two years of the parliamentary term, Senenews reports.
Senegalese Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô has raised the possibility of using the executive’s constitutional powers if the political deadlock persists, while favouring dialogue with Pastef, the majority party in the National Assembly. Senego reports that he did not specify which measures might be considered. For now, he has ruled out putting his government’s responsibility to a vote in parliament.
A motion of no confidence can lead to the government’s resignation if adopted. Article 86 of the Constitution provides that the vote takes place two full days after the motion is tabled. National Assembly Speaker Ousmane Sonko has reminded MPs that they have this power.
The Constitution also allows the president to dissolve the National Assembly after seeking the views of the prime minister and the speaker. This option is unavailable during the first two years of the parliamentary term, which began on 2 December 2024. An election following a dissolution must be held between 60 and 90 days later.
The 2026 supplementary finance bill is due to be considered in plenary on Tuesday 27 October at 10am. Al Aminou Lô wants MPs from the majority to submit written amendments. He also said that exhausted subsidy allocations could not be paid out by public accountants.
This warning comes after the prime minister favoured dialogue amid the deadlock with Pastef. It is part of the debate over the 2026 supplementary finance bill, which was rejected in committee.
