A significant stride towards greater transparency in Senegal’s political sphere has been made. On Monday, August 17, 2026, a bill concerning asset declarations was overwhelmingly passed by 133 out of 165 deputies. This legislation reinforces a critical requirement that has been enshrined in the nation’s Constitution since 2001.

Under the new provisions, Senegal’s three highest officials – the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly – are now mandated to declare their personal assets. These declarations must be submitted to the Constitutional Council not only at the commencement of their terms but also upon their conclusion, with a strict three-month deadline for compliance.

This progressive development has been widely lauded by Pastef, the political party led by National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko.

“Enacting such legislation unequivocally bolsters transparency in public administration, aligning perfectly with Pastef’s core principles under Ousmane Sonko’s leadership. It empowers Senegalese citizens to scrutinize the wealth of their leaders, thereby curbing illicit enrichment and the squandering of public resources,” stated Ansoumana Sambou, a prominent member of Pastef’s National Communication Secretariat.

Adopted by parliament, yet slated for a national referendum

While the bill garnered significant parliamentary support, the political battle for its full implementation is far from over for Pastef, the party that championed this initiative.

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

Therefore, the text will be put to a national vote, as articulated by Justice Minister Moussa Sarr, who believes this reform should be integrated into a broader constitutional deliberation.

“A costly referendum”

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

“Questions arise as to why the President seeks a referendum on this law, despite his apparent agreement with its fundamental principle. It’s puzzling why this text would be subjected to an expensive referendum when Senegal already faces immense economic challenges,” Diaw remarked.

For Ansoumana Sambou of Pastef, the broad public support for the asset declaration measure makes the referendum decision even more perplexing.

“This issue has never been contentious. On the contrary, declaring one’s assets upon entering and exiting office, regardless of the position, is widely regarded as a positive step,” he asserted.

The asset declaration reform transcends a mere institutional matter, evolving into a fresh arena for political confrontation between Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef party and the presidential movement led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

This Wednesday, August 19, attention will turn to the examination of the special credits bill – those “opaque” funds managed by the presidency and prime minister’s office. Debates are anticipated to be intense.