The highest judicial body in Senegal has a new leader. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Ousmane Diagne as the new president of the Constitutional Council, replacing the late Mamadou Badio Camara. This strategic move marks a significant institutional shift.
In an official communiqué released on July 13, 2026, the presidency confirmed the appointment through Decree No. 2026-1318. Ousmane Diagne, a seasoned jurist, previously served as Attorney General at the Dakar Court of Appeal and as First Attorney General at the Supreme Court.
From justice minister to constitutional guardian
Before this appointment, Ousmane Diagne held the position of Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals in the first government led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. However, he was later removed from the executive branch during subsequent reshuffles. His return to a leading judicial role signals a strategic reinforcement of institutional continuity.
The Constitutional Council plays a pivotal role in adjudicating electoral and institutional disputes. Its recent interventions have been crucial, including its decisive stance on constitutional reform debates. With Ousmane Diagne at its helm, the Council is poised to continue its vital function with renewed vigor.
a legacy of leadership
Ousmane Diagne takes over from Mamadou Badio Camara, a respected figure in Senegalese justice whose passing created a leadership void. The new president brings decades of experience in both the judiciary and government, ensuring stability and expertise at the helm of this key institution.
