Senegal President and Top Officials to Publish Asset Declarations

• Senegal's President proposes constitutional amendment to expand asset declaration requirement to high-ranking officials.
• Proposed measure aims to increase transparency and prevent conflicts of interest among senior officials.
• Constitutional Council would be responsible for verifying accuracy of declarations and ensuring public disclosure.
• Proposal has been met with praise from transparency advocates, but some experts raise concerns about effectiveness.

The proposed measure aims to increase transparency in government and prevent conflicts of interest among senior officials.

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has proposed a constitutional amendment to expand the requirement for high-ranking officials to disclose their assets. The amendment, presented by Justice Minister Moussa Sarr, who was appointed to the role on June 1, 2026, would apply to the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister. These officials would be required to submit written declarations within three months of taking office and again within three months of leaving office. The declarations would be made public by the Constitutional Council.

The proposed measure aims to increase transparency in government and prevent conflicts of interest among senior officials. By requiring regular disclosures, the government hopes to identify any potential issues and take corrective action.

This development is significant because it would bring Senegal's asset declaration law more in line with international best practices. Under the 2014 law, senior officials including the President of the Assembly and the Prime Minister, as well as other high-ranking officials managing over 1 billion CFA francs, are required to disclose their assets. The proposed amendment aims to further clarify and expand this requirement, particularly for public disclosure by the Constitutional Council, to the President of the Republic, the President of the National Assembly, and the Prime Minister. The Constitutional Council would be responsible for verifying the accuracy of the declarations and ensuring that they are made public.

The proposal has been met with praise from transparency advocates, who see it as a crucial step towards reducing corruption in Senegalese government. However, some experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the measure, citing the need for robust controls to ensure compliance.

The proposed amendment has significant implications for lawyers and compliance professionals working with governments in West Africa. As Senegal moves towards greater transparency, other countries may follow suit, creating new opportunities for international cooperation on anti-corruption efforts.

Lawyers should be aware of the potential implications of this new measure on compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations, particularly in identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest among senior government officials. By staying informed about developments in Senegal, lawyers can better advise their clients on how to navigate these complex issues.

Lawyers should watch for the potential implications of this new transparency measure on compliance with anti-corruption laws and regulations, particularly in identifying and addressing potential conflicts of interest among senior government officials.

Source: Original reporting via Dakarposte