In Senegal, the asset declarations of leaders are now made public.

Senegalese lawmakers adopted a reform on Monday, August 17, requiring the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Speaker of the National Assembly to disclose their assets at the beginning and end of their terms. The measure, presented as a tool for transparency, is generating political tension.

This is a significant change in Senegalese governance. On August 17, the National Assembly voted to reform the asset declaration system for the highest offices of the State. The President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the President of the National Assembly will be required to disclose their assets twice: upon taking office and at the end of their term.

Until now, asset declarations existed in Senegal, but they were not subject to a publication requirement. This move towards transparency is at the heart of the debate: while its supporters see it as progress against corruption and illicit enrichment, the reform is taking place within a context of strong political tensions that complicate its interpretation.

The measure currently only concerns three top executive and legislative officials, which some observers consider insufficient to produce a real deterrent effect on the entire ruling class.