Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In a strategic move that underscores the deepening rift between Senegal’s executive and legislative branches, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has set September 13 as the date for Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s General Policy Declaration (DPG). This decision effectively overrides the parliamentary opposition’s attempts to expedite the process, marking a significant moment of political maneuvering in the country.
The announcement, made by Minister of Labor, Employment, and Relations with Institutions Yankhoba Diémé, was reported on Friday by the Senegalese Press Agency (APS). Diémé stated, “The President of the Republic, in accordance with his constitutional prerogatives and the history of Senegal, informed the National Assembly in a letter dated September 6, 2024, of the holding of the DPG on Friday, September 13, in accordance with the internal regulations of the parliamentary institution in its article 97.”
The decision comes amid mounting tensions between the newly established government and a National Assembly dominated by opposition forces. The opposition had initially sought to accelerate the Prime Minister’s appearance by scheduling the DPG for September 11, just one day before the deadline by which President Faye could theoretically dissolve the parliament.
The Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY) coalition, which holds a majority in the Assembly, had planned to use the tight schedule to force Prime Minister Sonko into an early appearance, aiming to conclude the extraordinary session with the DPG on September 11. This accelerated timeline was part of a broader strategy to put pressure on the government, especially as the opposition was considering a motion of censure against Sonko.
However, President Faye’s decision to push the DPG to September 13 asserts his control over the political calendar, reflecting a clear intention to avoid being cornered by the opposition’s tactics. This move is seen as a calculated effort to maintain authority and ensure that the executive branch is not dictated by an adversarial legislature, all while staying within the bounds of legal deadlines.
The General Policy Declaration is a pivotal moment in Senegalese politics, where the Prime Minister outlines the government’s main objectives and seeks the confidence of the National Assembly. Given the current climate of political tension, the upcoming DPG is expected to be particularly significant, as it will not only set the tone for Prime Minister Sonko’s administration but also test the balance of power between the executive and legislative branches.
As the date approaches, all eyes will be on the unfolding dynamics between the government and the opposition, with the September 13 DPG likely serving as a critical juncture in Senegal’s ongoing political discourse.
