Ousmane Sonko addresses critics and sets agenda for extraordinary parliamentary session
Amidst a flurry of criticism and challenges surrounding the convocation of the National Assembly’s extraordinary session, President Ousmane Sonko stepped forward this Monday. He aimed to clarify the legal framework governing the proceedings, detail the extensive agenda, and dispel what he termed “amalgams.” With five legislative texts slated for review and the establishment of six investigative commissions, the upcoming debates are poised for intense scrutiny, further fueled by sharp remarks from opposition figures like Thierno Alassane Sall and pointed criticisms from presidential advisor Aldiouma Sow.
Five critical bills on the parliamentary docket
Ousmane Sonko initiated the legislative proceedings, presiding over the plenary session that marked the opening of the first extraordinary session of 2026. He challenged his detractors, asserting that Parliament would see its work through to completion. He reiterated the session’s agenda, which revolves around five significant draft and proposed laws. Three originate from the government, and two from Parliament itself. Deputies are set to examine Draft Law n°15-2026 concerning the Labor Code, Draft Law n°16-2026 on the Social Security Code, and Draft Law n°25-2026 pertaining to the protection of critical infrastructure and digital security.
However, particular attention is drawn to Proposed Law n°33-2026, which seeks to amend Article 37 of the Constitution, and Proposed Law n°34-2026, which addresses the legal framework for special credits. These two proposals will undergo an expedited procedure at the request of their sponsors, with the detailed work schedule to be determined by the Conference of Presidents.
Six inquiry commissions under scrutiny
Concurrently, the session is tasked with formally approving the establishment of six parliamentary inquiry commissions. Their investigations will delve into highly sensitive issues, including irregularities in land management, the sale of state-owned properties, and the utilization of financial mechanisms such as TRS (Total Return Swaps).
Parliamentarians also intend to shed light on discrepancies within the “One Student, One Computer” program, instances of revenue loss, the management of tax exemptions, and the conditions governing the allocation and renewal of fishing licenses.
A two-speed timeline: “commissions have six months”
Regarding these commissions, Ousmane Sonko emphatically clarified the duration of their investigations. “It was never stated that parliamentary inquiry commissions would convene and complete their work within fifteen days,” he asserted. In accordance with Article 55 of the internal regulations, each commission will comprise a maximum of eleven deputies, appointed proportionally across parliamentary groups. Once the resolution is ratified in plenary by an absolute majority and without debate, the commission will elect its leadership, consisting of a president, two vice-presidents, and a rapporteur.
“They will have six months, a maximum of six months, to conduct their work and submit their report to the National Assembly Bureau,” the National Assembly President stressed, reminding all that Article 58 permits operations to continue even when Parliament is not in session. “I felt it necessary to provide these clarifications to prevent certain misunderstandings,” he emphasized.
Earlier, the head of the majority had addressed critics who questioned the National Assembly Bureau’s authority to convene an extraordinary session. “Since the convocation of this extraordinary session, much information has been disseminated that does not align with reality or the truth of the texts,” he stated at the outset of his remarks, referencing the Constitution and the National Assembly’s internal regulations.
Citing Article 7 of the latter text, he specified that a session could result from a Bureau decision, a written request from the majority of deputies, or a presidential initiative. Those who argue that the Bureau lacks the power to convene an extraordinary session, according to the majority leader, have misunderstood the legal provisions.
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Thierno Alassane Sall criticizes Pastef’s stance This clarification did little to temper the opposition’s fervor. Present in the hemicycle during the extraordinary session, Thierno Alassane Sall commented on an entirely different current event. The unaffiliated deputy vehemently intervened to condemn the government’s posture regarding the organization of upcoming local elections, following statements made by Ousmane Sonko in Jolof accusing the opposition of seeking a postponement. “Everyone has seen the FDR’s position. We demand timely elections. Elections must be held, and there must be discussions with political actors to understand what is delaying matters. That is democracy and transparency, not locking oneself in an office to scheme and ultimately surprise everyone,” declared the leader of La République des Valeurs. Recalling the dissolution of the Assembly in 2024, the deputy decried the lack of transparency surrounding the Constitutional Council’s opinions: “They had the answer, and I had written to the Constitutional Council asking it to make its decision public. But the seven sages refused. Sometimes, the Constitutional Council does as it pleases. This time again, the President asked it. Let it publish the decision.” He further added, dismissing the government’s accusations: “So, let them not tire us. We all agree that elections must be held on schedule.” Regarding the debate on political funds, the deputy also criticized the National Assembly’s lack of transparency. For him, Ousmane Sonko should lead by example within the hemicycle. Political dissent and denunciation of a “messianic management” The political offensive extended beyond the Assembly floor. Via his Facebook page, Aldiouma Sow launched a scathing attack on the parliamentary majority, highlighting the significant absenteeism during the session’s opening. “The 34% absenteeism today in the National Assembly signals deep discomfort within the ranks of our parliamentary majority, usurped by the messianic impostor. We are undoubtedly witnessing the irreversible disavowal of a messianic management of the Hemicycle, whose vital prognosis is grim.” He continued, “The culmination of this disavowal must be the public determination of patriotic and republican deputies, whose seats are now threatened by former ministers, Sonko-dependents, careerists recycled as technical advisors of the day, lurking in the shadow of the messianic impostor’s cabinet, eager to take their places in the event of a new legislature.” |