Presentation of the 2025 annual report: President Diomaye Faye commends the key role of the Ombudsman of the Republic

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye received this morning at the Palace of the Republic the 2025 annual report of the Institution of the Ombudsman of the Republic, from the hands of Demba Kandji.

This was an opportunity for the Head of State to reaffirm the importance of institutional mediation in strengthening the rule of law, democracy and trust between citizens and the administration.

During the ceremony, he stressed that the submission of the report goes beyond a mere legal obligation. "It represents the degree to which the rule of law and democracy are consolidated in our country, and affirms our belief in alternative dispute resolution methods," he stated.

According to him, this is an approach that is in line with the strong African traditions of conflict resolution through deliberation and dialogue.

26 recommendations, including 2 on democratic architecture

Bassirou Diomaye also praised the Ombudsman's "high-quality and consistent use" and his power to make recommendations. According to him, 26 recommendations were formulated in 2025.

Two of them concern

These include institutional architecture, a redefinition of the Constitutional Council's role, and granting citizens a avenue for challenging the constitutionality of laws. Others concern improving prison conditions, notably by eliminating searches deemed intrusive and reducing prison overcrowding. These proposals align with the policies already implemented by the Government.

Progress for children with special needs

The Ombudsman, on behalf of the families, expressed his deep gratitude to the President for his involvement in the care of children with special needs.

According to him, parents who were considering therapeutic or educational exile now have access to care and school support adapted to Senegal.

He also praised the dynamism of the Senegalese administration which, thanks to digitalization, is moving from a command-based administration to one constantly at the service of the citizen.  

He noted that Dakar will host an international conference on whistleblower protection from October 21 to 23, 2026. Senegal, a pioneer in Francophone Africa on this issue, must make its voice heard loud and clear. He also instructed the Ministers of Justice and Foreign Affairs to support the organization of this meeting.

Finally, addressing the proposal to transform the Ombudsman into a Defender of Rights with expanded powers, the Head of State stated that this reform warrants thorough study. He announced that he would ask the Government to examine this proposal with the utmost attention.

Addressing the proposed evolution of the institution into a Defender of Rights with expanded powers, the President of the Republic indicated that this reform warrants thorough examination. He further announced that he would ask the Government to grant him the necessary attention to consider the matter. "Beyond the legal texts, it is the citizen's trust in their State that your mission helps to strengthen every day," he concluded.