Senegal’s National Assembly leader, Ousmane Sonko, is pressing the Justice Minister for comprehensive details on ongoing legal proceedings tied to questionable land allocations flagged by a proposed parliamentary inquiry. Without clear evidence that the judicial process addresses all implicated cases—particularly those in coastal zones—the legislative body intends to proceed with its investigations.

Following the plenary session ratifying six resolution proposals to create investigative committees, Sonko disclosed that the Justice Minister had provided two separate responses. “If we fail to obtain further clarity on the judicial process concerning these land deals,” he warned, “the National Assembly will be compelled to advance its inquiry through the parliamentary committees.”

The first response from the Justice Minister referenced an ongoing investigation into land deals near the airport, specifically involving pilgrim hangar properties. Unsatisfied with these limited details, Sonko emphasized that he had formally requested additional information in a written letter to the Minister. A subsequent response indicated that the Financial Prosecutor had ordered a probe by the Gendarmerie’s Research Section, with the resulting report reportedly finalized.

However, Sonko pointed out that the documented judicial process may not encompass all disputed land allocations, particularly those in coastal regions. Under Senegalese legislative rules, the initiation of a judicial inquiry into the same matters can block the establishment or continuation of a parliamentary investigative committee. The crux of the issue now hinges on precisely defining the scope of the current judicial proceedings. “Without broader clarification,” Sonko reiterated, “the National Assembly will continue its work.” This could allow the investigative committee to pursue cases not covered by the judicial process.