The discussion surrounding asset declarations is once again gaining prominence in Sénégal, with Khalifa Sall adopting a proactive stance. The former mayor of Dakar and a leading figure of Taxawu Sénégal has publicly voiced his support for making the asset statements of high-ranking state officials accessible to the general public. This position aligns perfectly with the current political climate, which is heavily influenced by demands for transparency championed by the new authorities who came into power following the March 2024 presidential election.
Khalifa Sall backs public disclosure of asset declarations
The former municipal leader of the Sénégalese capital has unequivocally supported the release of public officials’ asset declarations. For him, the financial transparency of elected representatives and senior civil servants transcends mere legal obligation; it forms a fundamental pillar of trust between those in power and the citizenry. The leader of Taxawu Sénégal believes that publishing these documents would contribute significantly to purifying public life and preempting suspicions of illicit enrichment that frequently plague the political class.
This declaration is far from insignificant. Khalifa Sall, a long-time opponent of the Macky Sall regime, is now positioning himself on ground where the current administration, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has made accountability a core tenet 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 affairs.
An established legal framework, rarely enforced publicly
Asset declaration is not a novel concept within Sénégal’s institutional framework. The 2014 law on asset declarations already mandates that numerous public officials, including the head of state, submit their declarations to the National Office for the Fight Against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC). The President of the Republic, in particular, is required to do so at the beginning and end of their term. However, in practice, these documents have historically remained confidential and are not made public.
It is precisely this confidentiality that the ongoing debate seeks to challenge. Various voices, from civil society to the political arena, are advocating for a shift towards public disclosure, mirroring practices in some 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 issue
Beyond Khalifa Sall’s specific case, each political actor’s stance 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 lauded as a symbolic break from past practices. Since then, pressure has intensified on other officials—ministers, deputies, heads of institutions, and general directors—to follow suit.
The alignment of opposition figures or former political stalwarts with this demand for publicity could reshape the political landscape. By openly supporting the principle, Khalifa Sall adopts a responsible posture while retaining the freedom to critique how the government implements its own transparency agenda. This dual approach is typical of an experienced opposition figure seeking to avoid being confined to a purely confrontational role.
Ultimately, the concrete realization of these intentions will depend on the legislative calendar. A reform of the 2014 law, or the enactment of a new text mandating the public disclosure of declarations, necessitates parliamentary consensus. The Pastef majority, strengthened by the anticipated legislative elections in November 2024, is well-positioned to champion such a reform. The question remains how far the government intends to push this logic, and under what conditions other political parties will agree to embrace full transparency.
