Senegal parliament strengthens oversight with new evaluation committee

The Senegalese National Assembly has taken a significant step forward in enhancing parliamentary oversight. Earlier this week, lawmakers convened for the inaugural session of the Committee for the Evaluation of Public Policies (CEPP), marking its official launch and the election of its leadership.

The establishment of the CEPP fulfills a long-awaited constitutional mandate dating back to the 2016 revisions. This initiative aims to systematically assess, monitor, and strengthen the implementation of public policies, ensuring greater transparency and accountability in government actions.

Mission and objectives of the CEPP

The CEPP’s primary responsibilities include structuring and conducting parliamentary evaluations of public policies. By doing so, it seeks to bolster the monitoring of government initiatives and improve the overall effectiveness of implemented programs. This move underscores the National Assembly’s commitment to playing a more active role in overseeing executive actions.

Leadership and composition

The committee brings together key parliamentary figures, including the President of the National Assembly, leaders of parliamentary groups, representatives of unaffiliated deputies, and the heads of the 14 standing commissions. Additionally, nine deputies and their alternates are included, selected proportionally based on the composition of parliamentary groups, with input from unaffiliated members.

During the inaugural session, the CEPP’s Bureau was formally constituted. Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, was elected as the committee’s chair. He is supported by Mohamed Sall as First Vice-President and Djimo Souaré as Second Vice-President. Béatrice Germaine Faye serves as First Secretary, while Adama Diallo holds the position of Second Secretary.

The establishment of the CEPP signals a new era of parliamentary accountability in Senegal. By institutionalizing policy evaluations, the National Assembly aims to ensure that government actions align with public interests, fostering greater trust between citizens and their representatives.