Amadou Ba Proposes Retroactive Amendment to Publish Asset Declarations in Senegal

• Former Prime Minister of Senegal, Amadou Ba, who previously served as a Senegalese Deputy, had proposed a retroactive amendment to the asset declaration law.
• The proposed change would have made public the declarations of individuals subject to this obligation, including for previous periods.
• Ba believed that increased transparency and citizen control in public affairs were essential for good governance and accountability.
• A new asset declaration law (Law No. 2025-13) was enacted on September 3, 2025, broadening disclosure obligations.
• On August 17, 2026, Senegal's parliament passed a law requiring the president, speaker, and prime minister to declare and publish their assets when they enter and leave office, addressing the previous presidential exemption.
• These legislative changes impact how lawyers and compliance officers work with clients holding public office or managing public funds.

Ba believed that increased transparency and citizen control in public affairs are essential for good governance and accountability.

Former Prime Minister of Senegal, Amadou Ba, who previously served as a Senegalese Deputy, had announced his intention to propose a retroactive amendment to the asset declaration law, which would make public the declarations of individuals subject to this obligation, including for previous periods. This move aimed to increase transparency and citizen control in the management of public affairs. According to Ba, the publication of these declarations would allow citizens to know the assets held by ministers and other responsible officials.

Ba also believed that making asset declarations publicly available would help prevent corruption and ensure accountability among public officials. The proposed amendment would have required officials to declare their assets at the beginning and end of their tenure in office, allowing for a more accurate tracking of their wealth.

The asset declaration legal framework in Senegal has been significantly updated. While the previous asset declaration law required public officials and managers of public funds to declare their assets upon entering and leaving office, and the President of the Republic was previously exempt from declaring assets at the end of their term, this has changed. A new asset declaration law (Law No. 2025-13) was enacted on September 3, 2025, broadening disclosure obligations for senior government officials. Furthermore, on August 17, 2026, Senegal's parliament passed a law requiring the president, speaker, and prime minister to declare and publish their assets when they enter and leave office, addressing the previous exemption for the president. Ba's earlier proposal sought to address this loophole by making Article 18 public in a retroactive manner.

Ba had emphasized the need for greater transparency in public administration, citing the importance of citizen knowledge about the assets held by their representatives. He believed that this increased transparency would help build trust between citizens and their government.

The proposed amendment was expected to face resistance from some officials who may be hesitant to disclose their assets. Ba had called on the opposition to support his proposal, arguing that it was essential for promoting good governance and accountability in Senegal.

The legislative changes to the asset declaration law have significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers working with clients holding public office or managing public funds. These changes impact the way these individuals declare their assets and have required adjustments to existing regulations.

The updates to the asset declaration law are part of a broader effort to increase transparency and accountability in Senegal's public administration. By making asset declarations publicly available, citizens can better understand how their representatives are using public resources and make more informed decisions at the polls.

The passage of these new laws demonstrates a commitment to promoting transparency and accountability in Senegal's government, setting a precedent for other countries seeking similar reforms.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential changes to asset declaration regulations in Senegal, which could impact clients holding public office or managing public funds.

Source: Original reporting via APS