Senegal has taken a major step in its fight against corruption, with the National Assembly adopting a bill to create a strengthened National Anti-Corruption Office (OFNAC) on Monday, August 25, 2025.
Championed by Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne, the legislation seeks to provide the country with an independent institution equipped with broad powers to prevent and sanction illicit practices.
The law establishes OFNAC as an independent administrative authority, directly attached to the Presidency and headquartered in Dakar, with the option to open regional branches. The office will be composed of twelve members appointed by presidential decree for a single five-year term.
Their independence is guaranteed by law, with dismissal permitted only in cases of serious misconduct or duly noted incapacity.
“The missions entrusted to the new OFNAC are divided into four areas: the prevention of corruption, the detection of illicit practices, national and international cooperation, and the formulation of reforms designed to improve transparency,” the Justice Minister said.
The office will hold significant powers, including access to banking information, the authority to hear individuals involved in investigations, and the ability to administratively freeze assets. It will also be required to publish regular reports and submit an annual report to the Head of State.
Funding for OFNAC will come from the national budget, contributions from technical and financial partners, as well as donations and legacies. The new framework repeals the previous legislation enacted in 2012 and 2024, deemed inadequate in addressing contemporary governance challenges.
The law was passed by a parliamentary majority during an extraordinary session convened to review four bills, including one mandating asset declarations for certain public officials. This move aligns Senegal with regional and international anti-corruption standards.
Former public prosecutor Serigne Bassirou Guèye, who led the dissolved OFNAC structure, will no longer hold the presidency of the institution. The appointment of new leadership is expected to mark a decisive step in operationalising the strengthened anti-corruption framework and ensuring its effectiveness across the country.
The adoption of this law signals Senegal’s renewed commitment to transparency, accountability, and the reinforcement of institutions tasked with upholding integrity in public service.
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