Senegal Parliament Passes Asset Declaration Law

The Senegalese parliament has passed a law requiring the president, prime minister, and speaker of the National Assembly to declare and publish their assets both upon taking office and upon leaving.

The reform, approved by 133 of the 165 lawmakers on Monday, is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability among senior public officials.

Under the new law, the officials must submit their declarations within three months of assuming office and again within three months of leaving.

Asset declarations have been required under Senegal’s constitution since 2001, but previous rules only required officials to make the declaration when taking office.

The new legislation was introduced by the parliamentary majority led by former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. It initially targeted only the president but was expanded to include the speaker and prime minister.

The measure comes amid political tensions within the ruling Pastef party following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s dismissal of Sonko as prime minister in May 2026. Sonko was later appointed speaker of the National Assembly.

Some lawmakers opposed the reform, arguing that it was being used to undermine Faye. Justice Minister Moussa Sarr said the reform should form part of a broader constitutional review.

Faye has announced plans for a constitutional referendum, although no date has been set. He came to power in April 2024 after 12 years of rule under former President Macky Sall.

SOURCE: AFP