A significant stride towards greater transparency in Senegal’s political sphere has been made. On August 17, 2026, a new legislative text was passed by 133 out of 165 deputies, strengthening a requirement for asset declarations that has been enshrined in the nation’s Constitution since 2001.

Under this updated framework, the three highest state authorities—the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly—are now mandated to declare their personal assets. This declaration must occur not only at the commencement of their terms but also upon their conclusion, submitted to the Constitutional Council within a three-month period.

This development has been met with approval by Pastef, the political party of Ousmane Sonko, who currently serves as the President of the National Assembly.

Ansoumana Sambou, a member of Pastef’s National Communication Secretariat, asserted that “enacting such a law can only enhance transparency in public administration, aligning with Pastef’s principles under Ousmane Sonko. It enables Senegalese citizens to scrutinize their leaders’ holdings, thereby curbing illicit enrichment and the squandering of public resources.”

Approved but subject to referendum

While the legislation garnered substantial support in the National Assembly, securing a full victory for Pastef, the party spearheading this initiative, remains uncertain.

The Minister of Justice conveyed that “the President of the Republic has communicated to the President of the National Assembly his decision, in accordance with Article 4 of Article 103 of the Constitution, to submit this proposed revision for public approval via a referendum.”

Justice Minister Moussa Sarr confirmed that the text will therefore proceed to a national vote. He suggested that this specific reform should be integrated into a more extensive constitutional review process.

“A costly referendum”

However, political analyst Moussa Diaw expressed his bewilderment regarding the decision to hold a referendum.

“One is left wondering why the President of the Republic wishes to submit this law to a referendum when he fundamentally agrees with its principle. It is difficult to comprehend why such a text would be subjected to a costly referendum, especially when Senegal is already grappling with considerable economic challenges.”

Ansoumana Sambou of Pastef also voiced his confusion, stating that the Senegalese populace largely supports the legislation, rendering a referendum inexplicable.

“This subject has never sparked controversy. On the contrary, the practice of declaring one’s assets upon entering and leaving office, regardless of the position held, is widely viewed favorably.”

The reform concerning asset declarations has transcended a mere institutional matter, evolving into a fresh arena for political contention between Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef and the presidential coalition led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The upcoming agenda includes the examination of the special credits bill on Wednesday, August 19. These