Closing of the single 2025-2026 session: Ousmane Sonko calls on MPs to overcome partisan disputes

After several months of sometimes intense, often tumultuous work, marked by sharp clashes between the majority and the opposition, the National Assembly closed its single ordinary session for 2025-2026 on Monday. As the session drew to a close, its president, Ousmane Sonko, chose to set aside the controversies to deliver a message of unity and responsibility. Before even addressing politics, he offered a thought for the thousands of young Senegalese facing their baccalaureate exams this week. A simple yet symbolic gesture that opened a speech resolutely focused on the future.

Addressing the members of parliament, Ousmane Sonko defended the parliamentary year's record. According to him, the assembly did not simply churn out legislation. Significant reforms were adopted in sensitive areas such as economic governance, justice, administration, and territorial development. However, he believes that Parliament must now change its pace and approach: producing fewer laws dictated by political expediency and more legislation capable of tangibly improving the lives of Senegalese citizens.

Modernization, digitalization and control of government action

The Speaker of the National Assembly also emphasized the modernization of the institution. The digitalization of procedures is progressing, parliamentary committees are expected to play a more significant role, and a parliamentary television channel is being developed to bring citizens closer to the work of their representatives. For Ousmane Sonko, however, a modern Assembly cannot be limited to simply passing laws. It must also fully exercise its oversight role in monitoring government action. He thus welcomed the development of current affairs debates and budgetary oversight, reiterating that a government must accept being evaluated and held accountable.

In the same spirit of transparency, he announced two new initiatives designed to open Parliament up more to citizens: a newsletter that will explain, with simple data and figures, the texts being examined, and a video podcast that will give MPs a voice and highlight their actions in their constituencies.

A productive intersession: focusing on major reforms

Although the session is over, the work does not stop. Ousmane Sonko announced that the intersession will be used to prepare several major reforms, particularly concerning agriculture, defense, justice, biometric identity, advertising, and industrial policy.

Finally, in a context where exchanges within the chamber have often been marked by tension and invective, the Speaker of the Assembly appealed to all parliamentary groups. He urged them to move beyond partisan squabbles, to demonstrate greater mutual respect, and to prioritize substantive work. "The Senegalese people expect less posturing and more results," he concluded, before officially declaring the 2025-2026 single ordinary session closed.