Sonko seeks clarity on justice ministry’s lotissement probe

During a plenary session on Thursday, National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko revealed that he had received two responses from the Minister of Justice regarding the ongoing judicial proceedings linked to targeted lotissement operations.

Sonko emphasized the need for clearer details about the scope of the legal process following the minister’s initial replies. The Assembly is now weighing whether to proceed with parliamentary inquiry commissions after concluding that the current information remains insufficient.

Parliamentary inquiries hinge on judicial clarity

Ousmane Sonko stressed that without comprehensive details on the judicial procedure concerning the alleged lotissement irregularities, the National Assembly would be compelled to advance its investigative efforts. During the session, he warned that if the minister’s explanations fail to cover all relevant cases—particularly those near the airport and the pilgrims’ hangar—the Assembly would continue its parliamentary probes.

The first response from the Justice Minister mentioned an ongoing investigation into lotissement near the airport area. However, Sonko deemed this response inadequate, noting that it did not address the broader concerns raised by the Assembly. « I explicitly requested further clarification in my written letter to the minister, » he stated.

A second response later indicated that the Gendarmerie’s Research Section had conducted an inquiry at the request of the Financial Prosecutor’s Office, with the report already finalized. Yet, Sonko pointed out that this process may not encompass all disputed lotissement operations, especially those in coastal zones.

Legal proceedings vs. parliamentary oversight

Under Senegalese parliamentary rules, the initiation of judicial proceedings on the same matters can prevent or halt inquiry commissions. Sonko highlighted this critical legal nuance, emphasizing that the Assembly must first determine the exact boundaries of the ongoing judicial process. « If we do not receive more detailed information, the National Assembly will proceed with its work, » he declared.

The potential continuation of the inquiry commission would focus on lotissement operations not covered by the current judicial measures, ensuring that parliamentary oversight remains robust and comprehensive.