Senegal’s political sphere has taken a significant step towards greater transparency. On Monday, August 17, 2026, 133 out of 165 deputies voted to adopt a new law that strengthens the existing constitutional requirement for asset declarations, a principle enshrined since 2001.

Under this enhanced legislation, the nation’s three highest authorities—the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly—are now mandated to declare their assets. This declaration must occur not only at the commencement of their term but also upon its conclusion, submitted to the Constitutional Council within a three-month period.

This progressive move has been lauded by Pastef, the political party led by Ousmane Sonko, who also serves as the President of the National Assembly.

Ansoumana Sambou, a prominent member of Pastef’s National Communication Secretariat, emphasized the importance of the new law: “Enacting such a law will undoubtedly bolster transparency in public administration, aligning with Pastef’s core principles under Ousmane Sonko. It empowers Senegalese citizens to scrutinize the holdings of their leaders, thereby curbing illicit enrichment and the wasteful expenditure of public resources.”

Adopted but subject to referendum

While the legislation passed with a significant majority, the battle for Pastef, the party behind this initiative, is far from over.

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

Consequently, the bill will be put to a national referendum, as confirmed by Minister of Justice Moussa Sarr. He suggested that this reform should be viewed within the context of a broader constitutional review.

“A costly referendum”

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

“One wonders why the President of the Republic wishes to subject this law to a referendum when he fundamentally agrees with its principle. It is perplexing why this text would be submitted to a referendum that will incur substantial costs, especially when Senegal is already grappling with considerable economic challenges.”

Ansoumana Sambou of Pastef echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Senegalese populace broadly supports the new law, rendering the referendum inexplicable.

“The subject has never generated controversy. On the contrary, declaring one’s assets both upon assuming and leaving office, regardless of the position, is viewed very positively.”

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

The upcoming Wednesday, August 19, will see the examination of the special credits bill, which pertains to the “opaque” funds managed by the presidency and the prime minister’s office. Debates are anticipated to be contentious.