In Sénégal, the National Assembly President, Ousmane Sonko, inaugurated the year’s initial extraordinary session on Monday, August 10th. Lawmakers are set to deliberate on five legislative proposals within a fifteen-day period, including two urgent bills introduced by the ruling Pastef majority. This legislative push unfolds amid ongoing tensions between the Prime Minister’s faction and that of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, marking a pivotal moment in Senegalese politics.
This extraordinary parliamentary session emerges against a backdrop of heightened political friction. Notably, Pastef is reintroducing efforts to amend Article 37 of the Constitution. This proposed change would mandate that the Head of State declare their assets not only upon assuming office but also at the conclusion of their term, aiming for greater transparency in West Africa’s political landscape.
The Constitutional Council had previously rejected a similar constitutional revision passed by deputies in late June, a setback for Ousmane Sonko’s political camp. This new parliamentary endeavor seeks to revive that reform through a different legislative approach.
The second legislative proposal advanced by the majority addresses special appropriations, commonly known as “secret funds.” These financial allocations, designated for the presidency and the prime minister’s office, could face enhanced scrutiny, potentially through a dedicated parliamentary commission comprising a limited number of deputies. This move reflects a broader demand for improved accountability in African politics.
The control of special appropriations at the heart of the disagreement
The management of these funds has become a central point of contention between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This dispute played a significant role in precipitating the rift between the two political figures last May.
According to Moussa Diaw, a political science professor at Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, these legislative initiatives demonstrate Pastef’s determination to compel the President towards increased transparency and accountability. The academic also draws a connection between this parliamentary offensive and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s recent establishment of his new political party, Kiiraay.
Both political bills are slated for examination under an urgent procedure. However, their ultimate passage will depend on the final outcome of parliamentary debates and, if necessary, subsequent review by the Constitutional Council.
The session also includes three government-sponsored bills concerning the Social Security Code, the Labor Code, and digital security. These are crucial aspects of the nation’s governance and contribute to the broader discourse on African economy today and social welfare.
The digital security legislation comes in the wake of a series of cyberattacks targeting Senegalese public institutions. Since October, three institutions, including the Public Treasury, have reportedly been compromised. The proposed law aims to establish a robust framework to bolster the protection of the state’s digital infrastructure and data, a vital step for national security in the digital age.
