Abdou Mbow: Sonko's Enquête Parlementaire on ASER 37 Milliards Unsound

• Deputy Abdou Mbow has accused Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, of using parliamentary inquiry commissions for partisan purposes.
• Mbow specifically objects to proposed inquiries into the ASER 37 billion affair and the special funds of state institutions.
• He argues that a commission on the ASER case is inappropriate because the judiciary is already handling the matter, citing Article 54 of the internal regulations and the separation of powers.
• Mbow contends that the National Assembly should not function as a political tool for the ruling party or a personal tribunal.
• The deputy's tribune outlining these concerns was published on October 13, 2026.

He warns against treating elected opposition members with contempt, emphasizing that such conduct risks transforming parliamentary control into a political confrontation rather than a constructive mechanism for accountability.

Abdou Mbow, a prominent deputy, has voiced strong objections to the recent initiatives by Ousmane Sonko, the President of the National Assembly, concerning the establishment of new parliamentary inquiry commissions. Mbow contends that these proposed inquiries risk politicizing the legislative body and diverting its oversight functions towards partisan confrontation. His criticisms, articulated in a tribune dated October 13, 2026, specifically target the announced investigations into the special funds allocated to various state institutions and, crucially, a proposed commission delving into the ASER 37 billion affair.

Mbow's stance highlights a growing concern regarding the potential for the legislative branch to be instrumentalized for political gain. He argues that the accumulation of such announcements, coupled with public accusations, could transform legitimate parliamentary scrutiny into a tool for political adversaries. The deputy's intervention underscores a critical debate about the appropriate scope and purpose of legislative oversight in Senegal, particularly when sensitive financial matters and ongoing legal cases are involved.

A central pillar of Abdou Mbow's argument against the proposed parliamentary inquiry commissions, especially concerning the ASER 37 milliards case, rests on established legal principles and the internal regulations of the National Assembly. Mbow explicitly invokes Article 54 of the parliamentary internal regulations, alongside the fundamental principle of the separation of powers, to assert that such an inquiry would be procedurally unsound. His contention is that the justice system is already seized with the ASER matter, rendering a parallel legislative investigation inappropriate and potentially conflicting with judicial processes.

This legal perspective suggests that legislative bodies should exercise restraint when judicial proceedings are active, to avoid prejudicing outcomes or overstepping constitutional boundaries. The debate initiated by Mbow thus brings into sharp focus the delicate balance required between the legislative branch's role in oversight and the judiciary's exclusive mandate to adjudicate legal disputes. The deputy's concerns about the "instrumentalisation commissions enquête Sénégal" underscore the need for strict adherence to procedural rules to maintain institutional integrity.

Beyond the immediate legal challenges, Abdou Mbow's critique extends to the broader implications for the integrity and function of the National Assembly itself. He firmly states that the legislative body should not operate as an extension of the PASTEF party, nor should it serve as a "tribunal personnel" for the majority to target its political opponents. Mbow expresses concern that Ousmane Sonko, in his capacity as President of the Assembly, is conflating the authority of his office with the influence of his political party, thereby undermining the impartiality expected of the institution's leadership.

While acknowledging the right of the parliamentary majority to make decisions, Mbow insists that this right must be exercised within the bounds of established rules and with due respect for the opposition. He warns against treating elected opposition members with contempt, emphasizing that such conduct risks transforming parliamentary control into a political confrontation rather than a constructive mechanism for accountability. This perspective highlights the critical role of the Assembly in upholding democratic norms and ensuring that its powers, including the establishment of Abdou Mbow Sonko commissions enquête parlementaire, are wielded responsibly and impartially for the benefit of all citizens, not just a ruling faction. The proper management of "fonds spéciaux institutions Sénégal" and the role of "PASTEF Assemblée nationale rôle" are central to this discussion.

Lawyers in Senegal should monitor the ongoing debate regarding the scope and legitimacy of parliamentary inquiry commissions, especially when matters are already before the judiciary. This discussion, referencing Article 54 of the National Assembly's internal regulations and the principle of separation of powers, could establish important precedents for the limits of legislative oversight and the interaction between parliamentary and judicial processes.

Source: Original reporting via Xibaaru