By Omar Bah
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Wednesday, August 4, that Senegal’s new president intends to dissolve the opposition-controlled parliament soon and launch a significant anti-corruption campaign that could have widespread implications.
Sonko, who assumed the position of prime minister in April following his running mate Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s presidential victory in March, made these remarks while addressing government officials amid a censure motion filed the day before by former president Macky Sall supporters. Sall’s coalition maintains a majority in the national assembly elected in 2022. Sonko confidently stated in a social media video that there would be no censure motion until September 12, by which time he anticipates significant changes in parliament.
Faye and Sonko require a parliamentary majority to implement their proposed reforms focused on leftist pan-Africanism and social justice. The president can only dissolve the assembly once it has been in session for two years, which will happen on September 12.
The ongoing rivalry with the opposition has hampered government effectiveness. Sonko has yet to deliver a comprehensive policy speech to parliament. He indicated that the government intends to introduce new public policy guidelines this month, projecting them to extend to 2050, with detailed plans for the next five and ten years. “We will have zero tolerance for corruption,” Sonko declared, stressing the need for rationalization and integrity in public finances. He announced that discussions on accountability would begin this week, targeting former leaders, with the expectation that many would soon face consequences. Authorities have already restricted specific individuals from leaving the country.
