Senegal’s parliament on Monday passed a law requiring the president, speaker, and prime minister to declare and publish their assets when they enter and leave office.
The new law aims to strengthen transparency, a promise made by the ruling authorities who swept to power in April 2024 after 12 years of rule under President Macky Sall.
But it comes after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed his ex-prime minister Ousmane Sonko in May 2026.
Declaring assets was legally required under the constitution since 2001 but applied only when taking up office.
Adopted by 133 out of 165 lawmakers
Under the new law, declarations must be provided three months after assuming office as well as three months after leaving office.
The law, introduced by the parliamentary majority led by Sonko, initially targeted only the president but was extended to include the speaker of the national assembly and prime minister.
It was adopted by parliament on Monday with the approval of 133 out of 165 deputies.
The session however revealed cracks in the ruling Pastef party’s majority, with some deputies declaring they would oppose the law, claiming it was being used to undermine the head of state.
‘Comprehensive approach’
Justice Minister Moussa Sarr said on Monday that the reform should be “part of a comprehensive approach” that would be “more coherent” if it were included in a broader constitutional referendum.
Faye, formerly a leading figure in Pastef party, announced in June his intention to put forward a constitutional referendum, although no date has been set.
Meanwhile, Sonko was swiftly named speaker of the Pastef-led National Assembly after being sacked as prime minister.
President Faye then went ahead to unveil his political party in late July 2026.
