Ousmane Sonko addresses critics and sets agenda for extraordinary parliamentary session
Ousmane Sonko addresses critics and sets agenda
Amidst a flurry of criticism and challenges surrounding the convocation of the National Assembly’s extraordinary session, Speaker Ousmane Sonko stepped forward this Monday to clarify the legal framework governing the proceedings. He meticulously detailed the agenda and aimed to dispel what he termed ‘amalgams’ distorting public perception. With five legislative texts slated for review and the establishment of six investigative commissions, the upcoming debates are poised for high tension, fueled by sharp denunciations from opposition figures like Thierno Alassane Sall and the pointed remarks of presidential advisor Aldiouma Sow.
Five key legislative texts on the parliamentary agenda
Ousmane Sonko initiated the proceedings yesterday, presiding over the plenary session that marked the opening of the first extraordinary session of 2026. He challenged his critics, asserting the Parliament’s unwavering commitment to completing its work. He outlined the session’s agenda, which centers on five crucial bills and proposed laws. Three of these originate from the government, while two are parliamentary initiatives. Deputies are set to scrutinize Bill No. 15-2026, concerning the Labour Code; Bill No. 16-2026, pertaining to the Social Security Code; and Bill No. 25-2026, addressing the protection of critical infrastructure and digital security.
However, particular attention is drawn to Proposed Law No. 33-2026, which seeks to amend Article 37 of the Constitution, and Proposed Law No. 34-2026, regulating the legal framework for special credits. These two proposals will undergo an expedited procedure at the request of their sponsors, with the precise work schedule to be determined by the Conference of Presidents.
Six inquiry commissions under scrutiny
Concurrently, the session is tasked with formally approving the establishment of six parliamentary inquiry commissions. Their investigations are focused on particularly sensitive issues, including irregularities in land management, the sale of state-owned built heritage properties, and the use of financial mechanisms such as Total Return Swaps (TRS).
Parliamentarians also intend to shed light on discrepancies within the “One student, one computer” program, instances of revenue abandonment, the administration of tax exemptions, and the conditions governing the allocation and renewal of fishing licenses.
A two-speed calendar: “commissions have six months”
Regarding these commissions, Ousmane Sonko firmly dispelled any ambiguity regarding the duration of their investigations. “It was never stated that the parliamentary inquiry commissions would convene and complete their work within fifteen days,” he clarified. 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 bureau, consisting of a president, two vice-presidents, and a rapporteur.
“They will have six months, at most, to complete their work and submit their report to the Bureau of the National Assembly,” affirmed the Speaker, emphasizing that Article 58 permits their work to continue even outside of parliamentary sessions. “I felt it necessary to provide these clarifications to prevent certain misinterpretations,” he underscored.
Earlier, the leader of the majority had responded to detractors 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 address, 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. According to the majority leader, those who argue that the Bureau is not authorized to convene an extraordinary session have misunderstood the legal provisions.
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Thierno Alassane Sall criticizes Pastef’s stance This clarification failed to temper the fervor of the opposition. Present in the chamber during the extraordinary session, Thierno Alassane Sall commented on a different pressing issue. The unaffiliated deputy vehemently intervened to condemn the ruling power’s stance on the organization of upcoming local elections, following remarks made by Ousmane Sonko in Jolof accusing 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 delaying matters. That is democracy and transparency, not to lock oneself in an office to concoct schemes 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 opacity surrounding the Constitutional Council’s opinions: “They had the answer, and I had written to the Constitutional Council asking it to make its decision public. But the seven sages refused. Sometimes, the Constitutional Council does as it pleases. This time again, the President asked it. Let it 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 criticized the National Assembly’s lack of transparency. For him, Ousmane Sonko should lead by example within the chamber. Political defiance and denunciation of “messianic management” The offensive continued on the political front. Via his Facebook page, Aldiouma Sow launched a scathing attack on the parliamentary majority, highlighting absenteeism during 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-imposter. We are undoubtedly witnessing the irreversible disavowal of a messianic management of the Chamber, whose vital prognosis is engaged. 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 shadow of the Messiah-imposter’s cabinet and poised to take their places in the event of a new legislature.” |
