Civil society groups in Senegal are speaking out after lawmakers fast-tracked a constitutional reform bill on June 29. The movement Y’en a marre, a long-standing citizen-led organization, has welcomed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s proposal for a referendum to validate the changes but warns against political maneuvering.

Aliou Sané, founder of Y’en a marre, emphasized the need for transparency: “This referendum must not become a delaying tactic to undermine the opposition’s efforts. Reforms should move forward, but citizens deserve clarity and a real say.”

Political tensions and revived controversies

The collective also criticized what it calls the resurgence of old political tactics, including attempts to smear critics. Since opposing the ruling party’s approach, Y’en a marre has faced accusations of being a “LGBT lobby”—a damaging label in a country where homosexuality remains heavily stigmatized and criminalized since March 2024.

Sané recalled similar tactics used under former presidents Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall: “We’ve heard this before—accusations of foreign funding and destabilization. Those now in power once stood with us against these very smears.”

Security crackdowns and dissent

The debate grew heated on June 29 when twelve individuals, including nine activists from the opposition party Alternative pour la relève citoyenne (ARC), were detained near the National Assembly during the reform’s adoption. Charged with “public order violations” and “unauthorized protest”, they were released hours later without formal charges.