The extraordinary session follows a period of deep political divisions in Senegal. The Pastef coalition has placed two priority reforms on the agenda: strengthening constitutional controls and introducing stricter oversight of special credit allocations, often referred to as “secret funds.”

One of the proposed changes targets Article 37 of the Constitution. If adopted, it would mandate that the President of the Republic publicly disclose their assets not only upon taking office but also at the end of their term. This provision was part of a broader constitutional review passed by lawmakers in late June but was later struck down by the Constitutional Council, dealing a setback to Pastef’s agenda.

Reforming transparency rules in Senegal’s political debate

The second bill focuses on the management of special credit allocations, which are allocated to the presidency and prime minister’s office. The legislation seeks to establish a parliamentary commission tasked with reviewing how these funds are spent, aiming to curb misuse and increase accountability.

The disagreement over these funds has been a major point of contention between National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, contributing to a public rift between the two leaders in May. Analysts suggest that these legislative moves reflect the ruling coalition’s push for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.

Political science professor Moussa Diaw of the University of Gaston Berger in Saint-Louis sees a direct link between these reforms and the recent formation of President Faye’s new party, Kiiraay. “The timing of these initiatives suggests a strategic effort to align legislative action with the president’s evolving political priorities,” Diaw noted.

Both proposals will be fast-tracked through parliamentary procedures, though their final adoption remains uncertain. The outcome will depend on the intensity of debates and potential constitutional review. In parallel, the government has introduced three additional draft laws addressing social security, labor codes, and digital security—highlighting a broader legislative agenda.

The digital security bill comes in response to a series of cyberattacks targeting Senegalese public institutions since October, including the Treasury Department. The proposed law aims to strengthen protections for state data and critical digital infrastructure.