Amidst a backdrop of intense criticism and debate surrounding the convocation of Parliament’s extraordinary session, Ousmane Sonko, the President of the National Assembly, firmly addressed detractors this Monday. He meticulously clarified the legal framework governing the proceedings, outlined the comprehensive agenda, and worked to dispel what he termed “amalgams.” With five legislative texts slated for review and the establishment of six parliamentary inquiry commissions, the upcoming debates are poised to be highly charged, fueled by sharp denunciations from prominent opposition figures such as Thierno Alassane Sall and the outspoken minister-advisor to the President of the Republic, Aldiouma Sow.
Five key legislative proposals for deputies
Ousmane Sonko initiated the proceedings yesterday, presiding over the plenary session marking the opening of the first extraordinary session of 2026. He challenged those who questioned the Assembly’s resolve, assuring that Parliament would fulfill its mandate entirely. He detailed the session’s agenda, which revolves around five significant draft laws and legislative proposals. Three of these originate from the government, while two are parliamentary initiatives. Deputies are tasked with examining Bill n°15-2026 concerning the Labor Code, Bill n°16-2026 on the Social Security Code, and Bill n°25-2026 pertaining to the protection of critical infrastructure and digital security.
However, particular attention is drawn to legislative proposal n°33-2026, which seeks to amend Article 37 of the Constitution, and legislative proposal n°34-2026, related to the legal framework for special credits. Both of these proposals will undergo an urgent procedure at the request of their sponsors, with the detailed work schedule to be determined by the Conference of Presidents.
Six parliamentary commissions of inquiry established
Concurrently, the session is set to approve the formation of six parliamentary inquiry commissions. These commissions will delve into highly sensitive issues, including irregularities in land management, the disposal of state-owned built heritage properties, and the utilization of financial mechanisms such as TRS (Total Return Swaps).
Parliamentarians also intend to investigate the irregularities surrounding the “One student, one computer” program, revenue shortfalls, the administration of tax exemptions, and the conditions for granting and renewing fishing licenses.
A clear timeline: “commissions have six months”
Regarding these commissions, Ousmane Sonko emphatically clarified the duration of their investigations. “It was never stated that the parliamentary inquiry commissions would convene and complete their work within fifteen days,” he asserted. In accordance with Article 55 of the internal regulations, each commission will comprise a maximum of eleven deputies, appointed proportionally across parliamentary groups. Once the resolution is ratified in plenary by an absolute majority and without debate, the commission will elect its leadership, consisting of a president, two vice-presidents, and a rapporteur.
“They will have six months, six months at most, to complete their work and submit their report to the Bureau of the National Assembly,” the President of the National Assembly declared, emphasizing that Article 58 allows for work to continue even outside of regular sessions. “I wanted to make these clarifications to prevent certain misunderstandings,” he underscored.
Earlier, the leader of the majority had responded to critics who questioned the Bureau of the National Assembly’s authority to convene an extraordinary session. “Since the convocation of this extraordinary session, much information has been disseminated that does not conform to reality or the truth of the texts,” he stated at the outset of his remarks, referencing the Constitution and the National Assembly’s internal regulations.
Invoking Article 7 of the latter text, he specified that a session can be initiated by a decision of the Bureau, a written request from the majority of deputies, or a presidential initiative. Those who argue that the Bureau is not empowered to convene an extraordinary session simply misunderstand the procedures, according to the majority leader.
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Thierno Alassane Sall criticizes Pastef’s stance Despite these clarifications, the opposition’s fervor remained unabated. Thierno Alassane Sall, a non-aligned deputy present in the Hemicycle during this extraordinary session, shifted focus to an entirely different current affair. The leader of La République des Valeurs vehemently intervened to condemn the government’s position on organizing the upcoming local elections. His intervention followed remarks made by Ousmane Sonko in Jolof, where the latter accused the opposition of seeking a postponement. “Everyone has seen the position of the FDR. We demand timely elections. Elections must be held, and discussions with political actors are necessary to understand what is causing delays. That is democracy and transparency, not locking oneself in an office to conspire and ultimately surprise everyone,” Sall asserted. Recalling the dissolution of the Assembly in 2024, the deputy criticized the opacity surrounding the opinions of the Constitutional Council: “They had the answer, and I had written to the Constitutional Council asking them to make their decision public. But the seven sages refused. Sometimes, the Constitutional Council does as it pleases. This time again, the president asked them. Let them publish the decision.” He then added, dismissing the government’s accusations: “So, let them not tire us. We all agree that elections must be held on schedule.” Regarding the debate on political funds, the deputy also decried the National Assembly’s lack of transparency. For him, Ousmane Sonko should lead by example within the Hemicycle. Political dissent and denunciation of “messianic governance” The offensive continued on the political front. Via his Facebook page, Aldiouma Sow fiercely criticized the parliamentary majority, highlighting the significant absenteeism during the opening session. “The 34% absenteeism today at the National Assembly signals a deep malaise within the ranks of our parliamentary majority, usurped by the Messiah-impostor. We are undoubtedly witnessing the irreversible disavowal of a messianic management of the Hemicycle whose vital prognosis is compromised. The culmination of this disavowal must be the public determination of patriotic and republican deputies, whose seats are now threatened by former ministers, Sonko-dependents, careerists recycled as technical advisors of the day, lurking in the shadows of the Messiah-impostor’s cabinet, eagerly awaiting to take their places in the event of a new legislature.” |
