Sénégal National Assembly: Examines Modification Code Pétrolier 2019

• Senegal's National Assembly is holding its third extraordinary session of 2026 to address four key legislative items.
• Deputies are scheduled to examine a bill modifying the 2019 Petroleum Code on September 29.
• Other legislative items include reforms to the ECOWAS biometric identity card and health in correctional facilities.
• President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye received a special trophy for his vision in water governance at the West African Water Forum.
• The Nioro du Rip department faces a significant public health challenge with an estimated 10% prevalence of Hepatitis B.

The proposed Sénégal modification Code pétrolier 2019 is a critical step in adapting the legal framework to current realities and future aspirations.

Senegal's National Assembly is currently navigating the final stages of its third extraordinary session for 2026, with a packed agenda featuring four critical legislative items. Parliamentarians are scheduled for plenary sessions on September 29, September 30, and October 2, aiming to address significant reforms before the session concludes. The legislative calendar underscores a period of active governance, with deputies convened to deliberate on a range of issues from national identity documentation to the country's vital energy sector.

A key focus for lawmakers will be the proposed changes to the nation's petroleum framework. On the afternoon of Tuesday, September 29, the National Assembly is set to examine Bill Proposal No. 37/2026, which seeks to modify Law No. 2019-03 of February 1, 2019, pertaining to the Petroleum Code. This legislative review highlights the ongoing efforts to refine the regulatory environment governing Senegal's oil and gas industry, a sector of increasing strategic importance for the country's economic future. The proposed Sénégal modification Code pétrolier 2019 is a critical step in adapting the legal framework to current realities and future aspirations.

Beyond the energy sector, the legislative body will also tackle other significant societal and administrative matters. The first item on Tuesday, September 29, starting at 10:00 AM, involves the examination of Bill No. 21/2026. This bill proposes amendments to Law No. 2016-09 of March 14, 2016, which governs the ECOWAS biometric identity card. The Minister of Interior and Public Security is slated to present and defend this text before the assembly, emphasizing the government's commitment to modernizing national identification systems and regional integration.

The deputies' agenda for Wednesday, September 30, is dedicated to social welfare, specifically focusing on Bill Proposal No. 39/2026, which addresses health provisions within correctional facilities. This initiative signals a legislative intent to improve conditions and care for incarcerated individuals. The extraordinary session, which commenced on September 18, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, October 2, at 10:00 AM, following the review of a report from an information mission concerning the commercialization of Softcare brand products.

In parallel with these legislative developments, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has received international recognition for his contributions to water resource management. He was awarded the special trophy of the West African Water Prize during the inaugural West African Water Forum (FREAO 2026), held in Abidjan on September 24 and 25. The forum, themed "Valuing Water to Transform West Africa," served as a platform to highlight sustainable water management initiatives across the region.

According to the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, this prestigious award acknowledges President Faye's forward-thinking vision in water governance and the concrete actions undertaken to leverage water as a catalyst for development, regional cooperation, and resilience. Senegal's commitment to this vital resource is further demonstrated by its current presidency of the African Ministers' Council on Water (AMCOW) and its active participation in the implementation of the African Water Vision 2062. Moreover, Dakar is co-organizing the 2026 United Nations Water Conference with the United Arab Emirates, slated for December 8-10 in Abu Dhabi. Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara also received this special trophy, with organizers emphasizing a shared dedication to promoting collaborative, sustainable, and inclusive water resource management throughout West Africa.

A pressing public health concern has emerged in the department of Nioro du Rip, where approximately one in ten residents is estimated to be a carrier of Hepatitis B. Dr. Ousseynou Cissé, the chief medical officer for the local health district, reported a global prevalence rate of around 10% for the disease in the area, urging for enhanced efforts in prevention, screening, and patient care. The data reveals a generational disparity, with individuals born prior to the widespread introduction of Hepatitis B vaccination at birth exhibiting higher rates of infection. Conversely, a noticeable decrease in prevalence has been observed among younger generations who benefited from the vaccination program.

Despite these efforts, the Nioro district faces significant hurdles in effectively combating the illness. Dr. Cissé highlighted the critical absence of essential diagnostic equipment, specifically tools for measuring viral load and performing Fibro Scan examinations, which are crucial for assessing liver health. Furthermore, the district is grappling with difficulties in securing a consistent supply of tenofovir, a key medication used in the treatment of Hepatitis B. These concerns were brought to light during an awareness day and medical consultations organized by Nioro Assistance médicale on Saturday, under the theme "Breaking the silence on Hepatitis B in rural areas."

Source: Original reporting via Les Piques de l'As