Senegal’s National Assembly took a decisive step toward strengthening democratic oversight this week with the inaugural session of the Committee for the Evaluation of Public Policies (CEPP). On August 21, 2026, legislators convened to formally establish the body and elect its leadership, setting the stage for enhanced parliamentary scrutiny of government initiatives.

This development represents more than a procedural milestone—it fulfills a constitutional mandate dating back to the 2016 reforms. The CEPP’s core function will be to systematically evaluate public policies, ensuring greater transparency and effectiveness in government action. By institutionalizing this review process, Senegal’s parliament aims to bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, delivering tangible benefits to citizens.

Structured oversight: how the CEPP operates

The committee’s composition reflects the pluralistic nature of Senegal’s legislature. It brings together key parliamentary figures including:

• The Speaker of the National Assembly
• Heads of all parliamentary groups
• The representative of non-affiliated deputies
• Chairs of the 14 permanent parliamentary commissions
• Nine additional deputies and their alternates

Membership allocation follows the proportional representation of parliamentary groups, with special consideration for independent legislators. This balanced approach ensures diverse perspectives are represented in policy evaluations.

During its first session, the CEPP elected its governing bureau. The Speaker of the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko, was appointed as chair. The bureau includes:

• First Vice-Chair: Mohamed Sall
• Second Vice-Chair: Djimo Souaré
• First Secretary: Béatrice Germaine Faye
• Second Secretary: Adama Diallo

Transforming parliamentary accountability in Senegal

The establishment of the CEPP signals a new era in Senegal’s legislative oversight capabilities. By institutionalizing systematic policy evaluation, the National Assembly is taking concrete steps to:

• Enhance the efficiency of government programs
• Identify implementation gaps in public policies
• Strengthen citizen trust in parliamentary institutions
• Align national policies with constitutional and legal frameworks

This initiative comes at a crucial time for Senegal’s democratic development, demonstrating the parliament’s commitment to transparent governance and evidence-based policymaking.