By: Staff Reporter
Aminata Touré has called for respect for institutional responsibilities and warned against the use of state institutions to pursue personal interests amid discussions over relations between Senegal’s executive and legislative branches.
Speaking in an interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Touré, who coordinated the “Diomaye-Président” coalition during the 2024 presidential election, commented on the formation of the new government and the absence of several senior figures from the ruling PASTEF party.
She expressed hope that cooperation between institutions would prevail in the interest of the country.
“If everyone respects their prerogatives and puts Senegal’s interests first, there should be no problems. I hope we will not find ourselves in a situation where an institution is used to serve personal interests,” Touré said.
The former prime minister also cautioned against prolonged political disputes that could undermine governance and stability.
“We cannot remain in endless political quarrels. The population needs everything except an institutional crisis. The National Assembly, the executive and the judiciary must each play their role, including the Constitutional Council, which is responsible for reviewing the constitutionality of laws,” she said.
Touré added that Senegalese citizens would ultimately judge public officials on their performance and commitment to the national interest.
Her comments came amid speculation about possible tensions between the government and the National Assembly, currently headed by Ousmane Sonko, who was recently reinstated as a member of parliament before being elected Speaker following the resignation of El Malick Ndiaye.
Responding to concerns over a possible motion of censure against the government, Sonko sought to reassure the public during a press conference on Tuesday.
“If I wanted to, I could bring down this government tomorrow and block those that follow. But I will not do that. I am not engaged in such manoeuvres. I work in the interest of the Senegalese people,” he said.