Ousmane sonko spearheads new public funds oversight in Senegal

A significant reform has recently been implemented within Senegal’s legislative framework. On Friday, August 26, 2026, the National Assembly officially established the Committee for the Evaluation of Public Policies (CEPP). This new body marks the realization of a key commitment from the 2016 constitutional revision, signaling a historic shift towards greater transparency and robust governance across the nation.

The CEPP is far more than an ordinary parliamentary committee. Its core strategic objective is to meticulously analyze the actual impact of state investments on the daily lives of Senegalese citizens. This institution is tasked with structuring, conducting, and monitoring the evaluation of public policies. By doing so, it will enable deputies to rigorously examine whether public money is being deployed efficiently and with full transparency, directly influencing accountability within the presidential administration led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Parliamentarians will no longer simply vote on legislation; they will now possess a dedicated technical arm to assess the effectiveness of government actions. To ensure its legitimacy and broad acceptance, the CEPP’s composition includes prominent figures from across the political spectrum of the National Assembly: the President of the National Assembly, the presidents of all parliamentary groups, the chairs of the 14 permanent commissions, the representative for non-registered deputies, and nine additional deputies selected proportionally to reflect the political forces present.

This inclusive structure guarantees a democratic balance, integrating both the majority and the opposition into the critical process of scrutinizing public action.

Ousmane Sonko takes the helm of the bureau

During its inaugural session, the CEPP’s executive bureau was elected to guide the committee’s initial undertakings. As anticipated, the presidency was entrusted to Ousmane Sonko, who currently serves as the President of the National Assembly. His leadership will be paramount in endowing the committee with the necessary authority to engage effectively with the Executive branch and ensure robust control over public spending in Senegal.

He will be supported by Mohamed Sall, who was elected as the first vice-president, and Djimo Souaré, appointed as the second vice-president. The crucial administrative management and report drafting responsibilities will be handled by Béatrice Germaine Faye and Adama Diallo, serving as the first and second secretaries, respectively.

This vote inaugurates a new era for Senegalese parliamentarism. The CEPP is expected to swiftly establish its work agenda. Citizens across this West African nation will now keenly anticipate the first evaluation reports, particularly concerning priority sectors such as health, education, and the broader national economy.