Cheikh Thioro Mbacké Assemblée SN: Article 37 Modification Mistake

• Deputy Cheikh Thioro Mbacké mistakenly targeted the wrong case during the examination of Bill No. 33/2026.
• The bill aimed to modify Article 37 of the Constitution, but Mbacké brought up the unrelated Imam Alioune Badara Ndao case instead.
• This gaffe may set a precedent for future constitutional amendments and impact lawyers' clients' interests.
• Lawyers should monitor this development closely due to its potential implications for Senegal's governance structure.

The incident highlights a lack of attention to detail and a failure to understand the context of the proposed changes.

On August 17, 2026, a significant mistake was made during the examination of Bill No. 33/2026, which aimed to modify Article 37 of the Constitution. The bill was being debated in the National Assembly, and Cheikh Thioro Mbacké, a deputy, mistakenly targeted the wrong case. Instead of discussing the proposed changes to Article 37, he brought up the Imam Alioune Badara Ndao case, which has no relation to the constitutional amendment. This error occurred despite the fact that the bill was specifically designed to address concerns related to the Constitution's article 37.

The incident highlights a lack of attention to detail and a failure to understand the context of the proposed changes. It remains unclear how this mistake will impact the future of the bill or the constitutional amendment process in Senegal.

Article 37 of the Constitution is a crucial provision that outlines the relationship between the government and the people. Any modifications to this article must be carefully considered, as they can have far-reaching implications for the country's governance structure. The proposed changes aim to address specific concerns related to the article, but it appears that some deputies may not fully understand the context or the intended impact of their actions.

The Imam Alioune Badara Ndao case was a legal matter that concluded with his acquittal of terrorism charges and a suspended sentence for illegal arms possession in July 2018. Imam Alioune Badara Ndao passed away on September 6, 2022. It is unclear why Deputy Mbacké brought up this case during the debate, but it may indicate a lack of familiarity with the proposed changes or a misunderstanding of the bill's purpose.

The incident raises questions about the level of expertise and attention to detail among some deputies in the National Assembly. It also highlights the importance of careful consideration and thorough understanding of complex legal issues before making decisions that can impact the country's governance structure.

This gaffe has significant implications for lawyers and experts who follow constitutional law in Senegal. The mistake made by Deputy Mbacké may set a precedent for future constitutional amendments, potentially undermining the integrity of the process. Lawyers should be vigilant in monitoring this development, as it could impact their clients' interests and the country's governance structure.

The incident also underscores the need for greater attention to detail and a deeper understanding of complex legal issues among deputies in the National Assembly. It is essential that lawmakers prioritize careful consideration and thorough analysis when debating constitutional amendments, ensuring that they are well-informed and make decisions that benefit the country as a whole.

Lawyers should watch for potential precedents set by this gaffe, which may impact future constitutional amendments and their clients' interests.

Source: Original reporting via Le Figaro