The discussion surrounding asset declarations has resurfaced in Senegal, with Khalifa Sall intending to take a proactive stance. The former mayor of Dakar, a prominent figure in Taxawu Sénégal, has publicly expressed his view on making the asset declarations of high-ranking state officials accessible to the general public. This position emerges within a political environment strongly influenced by demands for transparency, championed by the new administration that came into power following the March 2024 presidential election.
Khalifa Sall supports public disclosure of asset declarations
The former leader of the Senegalese capital has unequivocally supported the public disclosure of asset declarations from public officials. For him, the financial transparency of elected representatives and senior civil servants is more than just a legal requirement; it forms a cornerstone of trust between the governing bodies and citizens. The head of Taxawu Sénégal believes that making these documents public would contribute to purifying public life and preempting suspicions of illicit enrichment that frequently undermine the political class.
This statement is particularly significant. Khalifa Sall, a long-standing opponent of the Macky Sall regime, now positions himself on an issue where the current government, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has made accountability a central pillar of its political agenda. By joining the call for greater transparency, the former Dakar mayor avoids appearing out of step with the public’s desire for moralization in public life.
Senegal’s existing legal framework: rarely enforced
Asset declaration is not a novel concept within Senegal’s institutional framework. A 2014 law concerning asset declarations already mandates a number of public officials, including the head of state, to submit their declarations to the National Office for the Fight Against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC). The President of the Republic, specifically, is required to do so at both the beginning and end of their term. However, in practice, these documents have remained confidential and are not made public.
It is precisely this confidentiality that the current debate seeks to challenge. Numerous voices, from civil society to the political sphere, are advocating for a shift towards a public disclosure system, similar to what exists in certain European or Latin American democracies. The core issue, therefore, is no longer merely the submission of declarations but rather public access to this information, which is essential for effective citizen oversight.
A critical political and institutional challenge
Beyond Khalifa Sall’s specific case, the stance of each political actor on this matter is becoming a defining characteristic. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye himself publicly released his asset declaration shortly after his inauguration in April 2024, a move widely praised as a symbolic break from past practices. Since then, pressure has intensified on other officials—ministers, deputies, institution presidents, and general directors—to follow suit.
The alignment of opposition figures or former stalwarts with this demand for publicity could reshape the political landscape. By publicly supporting the principle, Khalifa Sall adopts a responsible posture while preserving his freedom to critique how the administration executes its own transparency agenda. This dual approach is characteristic of an experienced opposition leader aiming to avoid being confined to a purely confrontational role.
Ultimately, the concrete implementation of these intentions will depend on the legislative calendar. A reform of the 2014 law, or the adoption of new legislation mandating public asset declarations, requires parliamentary consensus. The Pastef majority, strengthened by the anticipated legislative elections of November 2024, is in a position to champion such a change. The question remains how far the government will pursue this logic, and under what conditions other political parties will agree to fully embrace transparency.