Sénégal Justice Minister: Agents Sommés de Régulariser Leur Déclaration

• Minister of Justice Me Moussa Sarr issued a circular reminding departmental agents of their asset declaration obligations.
• The directive is based on Law n° 2025-13 and its decree n° 2025-1835, aimed at preventing illicit enrichment and promoting good governance.
• Some agents have failed to file or update their declarations as required upon taking office, during tenure, and at the end of functions.
• Non-compliant agents are instructed to regularize their declarations promptly with the National Office for the Fight Against Corruption (OFNAC).
• Failure to comply with asset declaration rules is punishable by sanctions outlined in current legislative and regulatory texts.

The overarching message from the Ministry of Justice is clear: all concerned agents are now formally summoned to regularize their asset declarations without delay.

Me Moussa Sarr, who serves as both Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, recently issued a circular letter to personnel within his department. The communication, dispatched on a Wednesday, served as a direct reminder of their legal obligation to adhere to the country's asset declaration laws. This directive comes in response to observed lapses, as the Minister noted that a segment of the affected individuals has either failed to submit their initial declarations or neglected to update existing ones as legally mandated. The overarching message from the Ministry of Justice is clear: all concerned agents are now formally summoned to regularize their asset declarations without delay.

This move underscores a broader governmental push for accountability and transparency within public service. By specifically targeting agents within the Justice department, the Minister is setting a precedent for strict adherence to anti-corruption measures from within the very institution responsible for upholding the rule of law. The circular aims to rectify past oversights and ensure future compliance across the board.

The Minister's recent circular is firmly rooted in the legislative framework established by Law n° 2025-13, enacted on September 3, 2025, and further detailed by its implementing decree n° 2025-1835, dated November 18, 2025. These foundational texts were specifically designed to create a robust system for the prevention and vigorous combat against illicit enrichment. At the core of this legal architecture are the fundamental principles of transparency, probity, and sound governance, which the legislation aims to uphold and enforce across public service.

Under these regulations, every individual falling within the scope of the law is expressly required to complete an asset declaration. This obligation is not a one-time event but rather a continuous duty, necessitating declarations at several critical junctures: upon assuming an official position, at various points during their tenure as stipulated by law, and definitively at the conclusion of their service. This comprehensive approach ensures ongoing accountability and oversight throughout an agent's public career, aiming to prevent any accumulation of wealth through illicit means.

In light of the identified non-compliance, Me Moussa Sarr has unequivocally called upon all affected personnel to align themselves with the strict requirements outlined in the aforementioned law and its corresponding decree. Specifically, agents who have yet to file their initial asset declarations, or those whose existing declarations are due for an update, are now instructed to undertake the necessary procedures without delay. These critical steps must be completed through the designated competent services of the National Office for the Fight Against Corruption (OFNAC), strictly adhering to the established protocols.

The urgency of this mandate underscores the government's resolve to enforce its anti-corruption measures. By directing agents to OFNAC, the Ministry ensures that the process is centralized and managed by the body specifically tasked with overseeing such declarations and combating financial impropriety within public administration, thereby streamlining the compliance process and enhancing oversight.

The circular issued by the Keeper of the Seals also serves as a stark reminder of the potential repercussions for failing to meet these legal obligations. Non-compliance with the requirements pertaining to asset declarations is explicitly subject to the penalties stipulated within the current legislative and regulatory texts. These sanctions are designed to act as a deterrent, reinforcing the seriousness with which the state views adherence to its anti-corruption framework and its commitment to maintaining integrity in public office.

Concluding his message, Me Moussa Sarr urged all relevant agents to proactively implement every necessary measure to guarantee complete conformity with the regulations governing asset declarations. This final appeal emphasizes the personal responsibility of each individual to contribute to the broader objectives of transparency, integrity, and good governance within the justice system and public service at large, ensuring public trust and accountability.

Source: Original reporting via official government circular.