Déclaration de patrimoine : vers un référendum au Sénégal

A significant stride has been made towards greater transparency within Sénégal’s political landscape. On Monday, August 17, 2026, a new legislative text on asset declaration received approval from 133 out of 165 deputies. This measure strengthens a constitutional requirement that has been in place since 2001.

Under the revised law, 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 be made to the Constitutional Council not only at the commencement of their term but also upon its conclusion, within a three-month timeframe.

The Pastef party, led by National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, has lauded this development as a progressive step.

“Enacting such a law can only bolster transparency in public administration, aligning with the core principles of Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef. It allows Senegalese citizens to scrutinize the financial holdings of their leaders, thereby curbing illicit enrichment and the misuse of public funds,” stated Ansoumana Sambou, a prominent member of Pastef’s National Communication Secretariat.

Approved but subject to referendum

While the bill garnered substantial support in parliament, its journey is far from over for Pastef, the party that championed this initiative.

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

Justice Minister Moussa Sarr further elaborated that the text will therefore be put to a popular vote. He suggested that this reform should ideally be integrated into a broader constitutional review.

“A costly referendum”

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

“One questions why the President of the Republic wishes to subject this law to a referendum, especially when he agrees with its underlying principle. It is difficult to comprehend the rationale behind holding such a costly referendum, particularly when Sénégal is already grappling with significant economic challenges,” Diaw remarked.

Ansoumana Sambou of Pastef echoed this sentiment, asserting that the Senegalese populace largely supports the legislation, making the referendum decision perplexing.

“This issue has never been a source of contention. On the contrary, declaring one’s assets both at the beginning and end of a term, regardless of the position, is widely viewed as a positive step,” Sambou explained.

The reform concerning asset declaration has transcended its initial institutional scope, now emerging as a fresh arena for political confrontation between Ousmane Sonko’s Pastef and the presidential movement led by Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Looking ahead, Wednesday, August 19, will see the examination of the special credits bill, which pertains to the