Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dissolved the opposition-led national assembly on Thursday, setting the stage for early legislative elections on November 17. The decision follows ongoing conflicts with lawmakers who refused to discuss the national budget and blocked attempts to dissolve ineffective state institutions.
During his evening address, Faye, who assumed office in April, said the dissolution was necessary to give the people the means to enable the reforms he promised during his campaign. He emphasized the need for systemic transformation in the country.
The dissolution comes two years after the current parliament’s formation, the earliest point at which elections can be held. The move also aligns with earlier promises by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to dissolve the assembly and initiate investigations into corruption within the government.
Faye, who won a landslide victory in March, has prioritized anti-corruption measures and economic reforms that benefit the nation. Last month, his government established a commission to review Senegal’s oil and gas contracts. Senegal began oil production in June when Australia’s Woodside Energy reported its first output from the Sangomar oil field. Gas production is expected to follow by the end of the year at the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim liquefied natural gas project.
