Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has dissolved the opposition-led National Assembly just six months after taking office, clearing the way for early legislative elections on 17 November.
In an address late Thursday, Faye said working with the assembly had grown difficult after members refused to start discussions on the budget law and turned down efforts to dissolve wasteful state institutions.
"I dissolve the national assembly to ask the sovereign people for the institutional means to bring about the systemic transformation that I have promised to deliver," Faye said in his brief speech, in which he announced the date for voting.
The announcement came as little surprise. Lawmakers from Faye's Pastef party are looking to win a majority in the assembly and Thursday marked the two-year anniversary of the parliament – the minimum time required before fresh legislative elections.
Faye's announcement followed earlier promises by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to dissolve the national assembly and launch a wide-ranging probe into government corruption.
'Ridiculous strategy'
The opposition was quick to react. Seydou Gueye, spokesperson for Alliance for the Republic – the party of former president Macky Sall – denounced Faye's "ridiculous strategy" aimed at "protecting soldier Sonko".
Gueye denied the opposition-led assembly was blocking government efforts.
"Two days ago the assembly voted unanimously in favour of legislation proposed by the president," he told RFI.
Parliament shake-up looms as Senegal’s government faces showdown with opposition
Faye defeated the ruling coalition candidate in a landslide victory in March, becoming Africa's youngest ever president. He has promised to crack down on corruption and introduce economic reforms that prioritise the national interest.
Senegal's new government last month set up a commission to review all oil and gas contracts.
Sonko has promised to rebalance them in the national interest, without providing details on how long the review will take.
(with newswires)
