Senegal’s 15th legislature reconvened on Monday for an extraordinary session at the National Assembly, setting the stage for a series of high-stakes debates that could redefine the country’s public governance landscape.
Among the agenda are four pivotal bills, including the contentious asset declaration law, registered as Bill 15/2025, which has already sparked tension between the majority and opposition parties.
At the centre of attention is the proposal to establish a National Office for the Fight against Corruption. Designed to supersede the former OFNAC, the office would centralize the prevention, investigation, and monitoring of corruption, acting as an “institutional safeguard” against abuses hidden behind bureaucratic opacity.
Lawmakers hope it will strengthen oversight and extend the state’s capacity to combat irregularities across public administration.
Another key reform is the creation of a legal framework to protect whistleblowers.
In a political culture where exposing wrongdoing is often seen as betrayal, this bill seeks to encourage citizens and officials to report misconduct without fear of career repercussions, signalling a shift toward proactive citizen vigilance.
However, it is the bill on the declaration of assets that has provoked the fiercest debate. The legislation requires public officials to disclose their wealth at key points during their term. The majority, holding 130 of 165 seats, supports the measure, but opposition figures contest exemptions, particularly the clause that would allow the President to avoid declaring assets at the end of his term. Former Liberal MP Doudou Wade argues, “The Constitution takes precedence over ordinary law,” highlighting a legal tension that fuels concerns over the credibility of the transparency drive.
The final bill under discussion focuses on access to public information, seeking to make government data not just available, but understandable and usable for citizens. By equipping the public with clear tools to scrutinize policy and administration, lawmakers aim to empower Senegalese society to hold officials accountable in real time.
With these reforms, the government hopes to end a long-standing culture of secrecy and reinforce accountability. Yet, the effectiveness of this ambitious legal package will ultimately depend on implementation and enforcement. As the extraordinary session unfolds, Senegal faces a historic test: to turn legislation into a practical tool for democratic trust or risk another chapter of unfulfilled promises.
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