Senegal's High Court: Public Officials Must Declare Assets Within 2 Years

• Senegal's asset declaration laws are rooted in its international commitments.
• The publication of lists of individuals who have declared their assets has sparked a review of compliance with these laws.
• Public officials have a legal obligation to declare their assets, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences.

Senegal's asset declaration laws are rooted in its international commitments.

The publication of lists of individuals who have declared their assets in Senegal has sparked a review of compliance with the country's asset declaration laws, particularly for public officials. The Office national de lutte contre la fraude et la corruption (OFNAC) has published provisional lists of people who have declared their assets and those who are in default. This development comes after the law n° 2025-13 was passed on September 3, 2025, which expanded the number of individuals subject to this obligation. The publication of these lists is a significant step towards ensuring transparency and accountability in Senegal's public sector.

Senegal's asset declaration laws are rooted in its international commitments. The country has ratified the United Nations Convention against Corruption, which entered into force on December 14, 2005, and is implemented through law n° 6-2005. Article 8, paragraph 5 of this convention requires states to prevent corruption and includes provisions for asset declaration. Senegal has also ratified the African Union Convention on Prevention and Combating Corruption, which came into effect on August 5, 2007, and is implemented through law n° 2007-09. This convention requires states to declare assets at the beginning, during, and end of public office.

The publication of asset declaration lists in Senegal highlights the importance of compliance with the country's asset declaration laws. Public officials have a legal obligation to declare their assets, and failure to do so can result in serious consequences. Adama Ndao, a jurist, has called for the extension of this obligation to spouses of public officials and anyone who may receive part or all of their assets. He has also criticized the mechanisms provided by the law on whistleblower protection, which he believes are contrary to international conventions and the Constitution.

Lawyers should note that the recent publication of lists of individuals who have declared their assets in Senegal may trigger a review of compliance with the country's asset declaration laws, particularly for public officials. They should ensure their clients are aware of and comply with these obligations to avoid potential liabilities.

Source: Original reporting via Briefly