Senegal’s National Assembly has suspended a plenary session originally scheduled for Wednesday regarding a proposed law to govern the legal framework of special funds.
The decision follows a move by the Executive branch to refer the legislation to the Constitutional Council, opening a new chapter in ongoing institutional tensions between the two arms of government. In a statement released Tuesday, parliamentary leaders noted that the Executive seeks a ruling on whether key provisions of the bill fall strictly within executive regulatory powers rather than the legislative domain.
The proposed legislation forms part of the National Assembly’s broader drive to enhance public finance transparency by establishing clearer oversight of special funds, which have traditionally operated under executive discretion. While lawmakers pointed out that neither the Constitution nor parliamentary rules explicitly grant a suspensive effect to such Constitutional Council referrals, the Assembly chose to postpone the August 19 session in the interest of republican propriety, institutional dialogue, and overall political stability. The dispute highlights rising friction between the Executive and the Pastef-dominated legislature led by Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, following the recent passage of a constitutional amendment extending mandatory asset declarations for high-ranking officials. Despite delaying the special funds debate, parliament announced that its remaining legislative agenda will proceed as planned, including upcoming sessions on parliamentary commissions of inquiry and digital security legislation.
AC/lb/abj/APA