Sénégal commissions d'enquête foncier patrimoine bâti to scrutinize land ownership and property rights

• The Bureau of the National Assembly has declared several proposals for laws and resolutions admissible.
• A proposal to modify Article 37 of the Constitution was accepted by the Bureau, but a related constitutional amendment was later rejected by the Constitutional Council.
• Proposals also aim to regulate special credits and secret funds and establish parliamentary investigative commissions.
• Concerns over land ownership, property rights, and government financial mechanisms in Senegal are at the forefront of these initiatives.

The Bureau had accepted a proposal to modify Article 37 of the Constitution regarding the declaration of presidential assets. However, a constitutional amendment aimed at expanding the role of parliament and reducing presidential powers, which included such changes, was rejected by the Constitutional Council on July 10, 2026, ruling it unconstitutional.

The Bureau of the National Assembly in Senegal has reviewed and declared several proposals for laws and resolutions admissible during two meetings chaired by President Ousmane Sonko on July 17 and 23, according to a press release from the Bureau. The proposals include changes to land ownership and property rights, as well as increased scrutiny of government financial mechanisms and market contracts.

The Bureau had accepted a proposal to modify Article 37 of the Constitution regarding the declaration of presidential assets, initiated by Deputy Amadou Ba n°2. However, a constitutional amendment aimed at expanding the role of parliament and reducing presidential powers, which included such changes, was rejected by the Constitutional Council on July 10, 2026, ruling it unconstitutional. Another proposal aims to regulate special credits and secret funds, led by Deputies Guy Marius Sagna, Mame Diarra Bèye, and Alphonse Mané Sambou.

Six proposals for parliamentary investigative commissions have also been declared admissible. These include an initiative from the PASTEF-Les Patriotes group regarding severe shortcomings in land management of various developments and public maritime domain. The same group has proposed a commission to investigate the sale of state-owned buildings to private individuals under allegedly irregular conditions.

The proposals for laws and resolutions aim to address concerns over land ownership, property rights, and government financial mechanisms in Senegal. While a proposal to modify Article 37 of the Constitution was accepted by the Bureau, a broader constitutional amendment related to presidential powers was subsequently ruled unconstitutional by the Constitutional Council on July 10, 2026.

The regulation of special credits and secret funds is also crucial, as it may impact market contracts and government financial dealings. The establishment of parliamentary investigative commissions will provide a platform for scrutiny of these issues.

The involvement of multiple groups and individuals in proposing these initiatives highlights the complexity of the issues at hand.

Lawyers and compliance officers should be aware of potential changes to land ownership and property rights in Senegal. The increased scrutiny of government financial mechanisms and market contracts may also impact business operations.

The implications of these developments on clients' interests must be carefully considered. Compliance officers may need to advise clients on the potential effects of these changes, including any necessary adjustments to their business strategies.

As the situation unfolds, it is essential for professionals in the field to stay informed and adapt to any new regulations or guidelines that emerge.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential changes to land ownership and property rights in Senegal, as well as increased scrutiny of government financial mechanisms and market contracts. They may need to advise clients on the implications of these developments.

Source: Original reporting via SenePlus