A significant legislative reform has been realized within Senegal’s parliamentary system. Yesterday, Friday, August 26, 2026, the National Assembly formally established the Committee for the Evaluation of Public Policies (CEPP). This new body fulfills a crucial commitment from the 2016 constitutional revision, marking a historic moment for transparency and robust governance in the West African nation. This development is a key piece of political Sahel news, enhancing accountability.

The CEPP transcends the role of a mere parliamentary committee. Its strategic mission is to meticulously analyze the tangible impact of state investments on the daily lives of Senegalese citizens. This institution is designed to structure, execute, and monitor the evaluation of public policies. Through this mechanism, deputies will gain enhanced capabilities to scrutinize whether public funds are being deployed effectively and with utmost transparency.

Parliamentarians will no longer simply vote on legislation; they will now possess a dedicated technical arm to assess the efficacy of government actions. To solidify its legitimacy, the CEPP comprises key figures from across the National Assembly. Its composition integrates all political sensitivities within the legislative body, including the President of the National Assembly, the presidents of all parliamentary groups, the chairs of the 14 permanent commissions, the representative for non-registered deputies, and nine additional deputies selected proportionally to reflect the political landscape.

This inclusive structure ensures democratic balance, incorporating both the majority and the opposition directly into the process of overseeing public actions.

Ousmane Sonko takes the helm

During its inaugural session, the CEPP’s bureau was elected to guide the committee’s initial endeavors. As widely anticipated, the presidency was entrusted to Ousmane Sonko, who currently serves as the President of the National Assembly. His leadership is expected to be instrumental in endowing the committee with the necessary authority when engaging with the Executive branch.

He will be supported by Mohamed Sall, who was elected as the first vice-president, and Djimo Souaré, appointed as the second vice-president. The administrative management and report drafting responsibilities will be handled by Béatrice Germaine Faye and Adama Diallo, serving as the first and second secretaries, respectively.

This vote heralds a new era for Senegalese parliamentarism and accountability in West Africa. The CEPP is now tasked with promptly defining its work agenda. Citizens across the nation will keenly await the committee’s first evaluation reports, particularly concerning priority sectors such as health, education, and the economy.