Amidst a wave of criticism and debate surrounding the convocation of the National Assembly’s extraordinary session, its President, Ousmane Sonko, took a firm stance this Monday. He sought to clarify the legal framework governing the proceedings, outline the ambitious agenda, and dispel what he termed as misinterpretations. With five legislative texts slated for review and the establishment of six investigative commissions, the upcoming deliberations are poised for high tension, fueled by sharp remarks from opposition figures like Thierno Alassane Sall and the presidential advisor Aldiouma Sow.
Five key legislative proposals on the parliamentary docket
Ousmane Sonko initiated the proceedings, presiding over yesterday’s plenary session that marked the opening of the first extraordinary session of 2026. He challenged his critics, asserting that the parliament would see its work through to completion. He reiterated the session’s agenda, which centers on five crucial bills and legislative proposals. Three of these originate from the government, with two put forth by the parliament itself. Deputies are set to examine Bill n°15-2026 concerning the Labor Code, Bill n°16-2026 on the Social Security Code, and Bill n°25-2026 related 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 proposal n°34-2026, pertaining to the legal framework for special appropriations. Both these proposals will undergo an urgent procedure at the request of their sponsors, with the precise work schedule to be determined by the Conference of Presidents.
Six parliamentary inquiry commissions established
Concurrently, the session is tasked with ratifying the formation of six parliamentary inquiry commissions. These investigations will delve into highly sensitive areas, including irregularities in land management, the sale of state-owned built heritage properties, and the use of financial mechanisms such as TRS.
Parliamentarians also intend to shed light on shortcomings within the “One student, one computer” program, revenue shortfalls, and the management of tax exemptions, alongside the conditions governing the allocation and renewal of fishing licenses.
A tiered timeline: “commissions have six months”
Regarding these commissions, Ousmane Sonko emphatically clarified the duration of their investigations. “It was never stated that 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 by 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, a maximum of six months, to complete their work and submit their report to the Bureau of the National Assembly,” the President of the National Assembly affirmed, reminding everyone that Article 58 permits work to continue even outside regular sessions. “I felt it necessary to provide these clarifications to prevent certain confusions,” he underscored.
Earlier, the head of the majority had addressed critics who challenged the National Assembly Bureau’s authority to call an extraordinary session. “Since the convocation of this extraordinary session, much information has been disseminated that does not align with reality or the truth of the texts,” he stated at the outset of his remarks, citing both the Constitution and the National Assembly’s internal regulations.
Invoking Article 7 of the latter text, he specified that a session can result from a decision by the Bureau, a written request from the majority of deputies, or a presidential initiative. Those who argue that the Bureau lacks the power to convene an extraordinary session, according to the majority leader, have misunderstood the legal provisions.
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Thierno Alassane Sall criticizes Pastef’s stance These clarifications did little to quell the fervor of the opposition. Thierno Alassane Sall, an unaffiliated deputy present in the chamber during the extraordinary session, seized the opportunity to address a different pressing issue. He vehemently condemned the ruling power’s position regarding the organization of upcoming local elections, particularly after Ousmane Sonko’s comments in Jolof accused the opposition of seeking a postponement. “Everyone has seen the FDR’s position. We demand timely elections. Elections must be held, and there must be discussions with political stakeholders to understand what is causing delays. That is democracy and transparency, not locking oneself in an office to scheme and ultimately surprise everyone,” declared the leader of La République des Valeurs. Referring to the dissolution of the Assembly in 2024, the deputy denounced the lack of transparency surrounding the Constitutional Council’s opinions: “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 funding, the deputy also criticized the National Assembly’s lack of transparency. In his view, Ousmane Sonko should lead by example within the chamber. Political dissent and condemnation of “messianic governance” The offensive continued on the political front. Via his Facebook page, Aldiouma Sow launched a scathing attack on the parliamentary majority, highlighting the significant absenteeism at the session’s opening. “The 34% absenteeism today in 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 repudiation of a messianic governance of the Hémicycle, whose vital prognosis is grim. The culmination of this repudiation must be the public determination of patriotic and republican deputies, whose seats are now threatened by former ministers, Sonko-dependents, careerists recycled as day-to-day technical advisors, lurking in the shadow of the Messiah-impostor’s cabinet, eagerly awaiting to seize these positions in the event of a new legislature.” |