Senegal’s national assembly launches new public policy evaluation committee

A significant reform has recently been implemented within Senegal’s legislative branch. This past Friday, August 26, 2026, the National Assembly officially established the Public Policy Evaluation Committee (CEPP). This new body finally delivers on a commitment made during the 2016 constitutional review, marking a pivotal moment for transparency and robust governance across the nation.

The CEPP is more than just another parliamentary committee. Its core mission is to critically assess the actual impact of state investments on the daily lives of Senegalese citizens. This institution will be responsible for structuring, conducting, and monitoring the evaluation of public policies. Through this framework, parliamentarians will be able to verify that public money is spent effectively and transparently.

Lawmakers will no longer solely focus on passing legislation. They now possess a dedicated technical arm to measure the effectiveness of government actions. To ensure its legitimacy and broad representation, the CEPP comprises key figures from the Assembly. Its composition reflects all political viewpoints within the National Assembly, including the President of the National Assembly, the heads of parliamentary groups, the chairs of the 14 permanent commissions, the representative for non-affiliated deputies, and nine additional deputies appointed proportionally to the political forces present.

This balanced structure ensures democratic inclusion, integrating both the majority and the opposition into the critical process of overseeing public actions.

Ousmane Sonko takes the helm of the committee

During the inaugural meeting, the CEPP’s executive board was elected to guide the committee’s initial undertakings. Unsurprisingly, the presidency was entrusted to Ousmane Sonko, who currently serves as the President of the National Assembly. His leadership is expected to be vital in granting the committee 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 secretary and second secretary, respectively.

This election ushers in a new era for Senegalese parliamentarism. The CEPP is expected to swiftly establish its work schedule. Citizens will now anticipate the first evaluation reports concerning priority sectors such as healthcare, education, and the economy.