Senegalese Parliament: Aldiouma Sow Warns of 'Irreversible Disavowal'

• Aldiouma Sow, a Minister Advisor and Coordinator of the Political Pole of the Presidency, has warned of an 'irreversible disavowal' from the Senegalese parliament due to a 34% absenteeism rate.
• The issue of parliamentary absenteeism is not new, with Deputy Anta Babacar Ngom previously denouncing it in February, informing the former Assembly's President, El Malick Ndiaye.
• A law amending the Assembly's internal regulations, which included progressive sanctions for regularly absent deputies without justification, was voted on in June 2025 but partially rejected by the Constitutional Council in July 2025.
• The situation has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers advising clients with interests in Senegalese politics or business.

He even went so far as to warn of an 'irreversible disavowal' of the Assembly's management and described it as a 'vital prognosis' for the institution.

Aldiouma Sow, a Minister Advisor and Coordinator of the Political Pole of the Presidency in Senegal, has sounded the alarm on the country's parliamentary absenteeism crisis. According to reports, Sow published a scathing critique of the majority parliamentarians last Monday, stating that the 34% absence rate is indicative of a 'deep-seated malaise' within the ruling party. He even went so far as to warn of an 'irreversible disavowal' of the Assembly's management and described it as a 'vital prognosis' for the institution.

In his statement, Sow also touched on the legislative elections held in November 2024, urging patriotic and republican deputies to declare their positions, warning that their seats may be contested by former ministers and technical advisors. These individuals, characterized as 'SONKO-dependents' and 'careerists recycled,' allegedly aim to capitalize on a future legislature to enter the Assembly.

This is not the first time the issue of parliamentary absenteeism has been raised. In February, Deputy Anta Babacar Ngom had already denounced the absence of certain non-registered deputies, attributing it to an internal democratic deficit. She claimed to have informed the former Assembly's President, El Malick Ndiaye, who was succeeded by Ousmane Sonko in May 2026 and is now the First Vice-President of the National Assembly, but received no concrete measures in response.

A law amending the Assembly's internal regulations, which included provisions for progressive sanctions for regularly absent deputies without justification, was voted on in June 2025. However, the Constitutional Council partially rejected these amendments in July 2025, deeming several provisions unconstitutional, including aspects related to the removal of deputies. This development has significant implications for lawyers and compliance officers who advise clients with interests in Senegalese politics or business.

The situation highlights the need for close monitoring of changes to Senegalese parliamentary rules, including potential amendments to attendance and absence regulations. Such developments could have a profound impact on the functioning of the Assembly and may necessitate adjustments by those involved in Senegalese politics.

The escalating absenteeism crisis within the Senegalese parliament has far-reaching implications for the institution's effectiveness. As Sow warned, an 'irreversible disavowal' of the Assembly's management could have severe consequences for its future. The situation also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in parliamentary proceedings.

As the country has already held legislative elections, the issue of absenteeism will likely continue to be a pressing concern. The proposed amendments to the Assembly's internal regulations offer a glimpse into potential solutions, but their implementation remains uncertain due to the Constitutional Council's partial rejection. One thing is clear: the Senegalese parliament must address this crisis to ensure its continued functionality and relevance.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential changes to Senegalese parliamentary rules, including possible amendments to the internal regulations governing attendance and absence. This could have implications for clients with interests in Senegalese politics or business.

Source: Original reporting via Walf Groupe