The first extraordinary session of the 2026-2027 legislative year began on August 10 with a packed agenda. Among the 11 items up for debate were six requests to establish parliamentary inquiry commissions, many of which address highly sensitive issues. Ousmane Sonko, president of the National Assembly, took the floor to preempt potential legal challenges against these commissions.

He emphasized that the law explicitly prohibits parliamentary commissions from investigating cases already under judicial review. « The legal framework clearly states that the National Assembly cannot establish a parliamentary commission on matters currently before the courts, » he stated. Sonko added that he had personally verified this compliance with the Minister of Justice before proceeding.

« In my letter to the Minister of Justice requesting confirmation, he responded last week confirming that out of the five relevant cases, only one—concerning land management near Dakar’s former airport—had a pending legal dispute. The other four cases were free from judicial proceedings, » Sonko explained.

The session, limited to 15 days by Organic Law No. 2025-11 of August 18, 2025, also included debates on two draft laws, three legislative proposals, and other critical national issues. Key topics included:

• Land management near Dakar’s former airport
• The « One student, one laptop » program
• Revenue shortfalls and tax exemptions
• Fishing license issuance conditions