Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, senegal) – A tense atmosphere gripped the National Assembly on Monday during a heated question-and-answer session between Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and opposition lawmaker Pape Djibril Fall. The exchange laid bare deep political and ideological rifts over policing, press freedom, and the state of public markets, while also setting the stage for sweeping governance reforms.

Deputy Fall took the floor to challenge the Prime Minister on three highly sensitive matters: the recent dismissal of 312 police officers, the controversial police custody of journalist Simon Faye from Dmedia, and the deteriorating conditions of Senegalese markets. He accused the government of undermining public security, curbing press freedom, and neglecting basic economic infrastructure.

“The dismissal of hundreds of police officers is unjustifiable, especially in this climate of rising insecurity,” Fall charged, suggesting that the move jeopardized national safety.

In a firm rebuttal, Sonko defended the decision, asserting that the terminated officers were beneficiaries of politically motivated recruitment under the previous regime. “These recruitments were political. It was the police hierarchy itself that made the call,” the Prime Minister stated, brushing aside concerns about destabilizing the security apparatus.

Tensions escalated when Fall raised the case of journalist Simon Faye, who is currently under police custody. A visibly irritated Sonko rejected any suggestion of executive interference in the case. “I have never had anyone arrested. The Minister of Justice can testify to that,” he declared. Emphasizing the rule of law, he added, “Justice will continue to do its job to regulate public order.”

While reaffirming his commitment to freedom of expression as enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution, Sonko also reminded lawmakers that such freedoms are not without legal boundaries. “It is supervised by law,” he stressed.

Seizing the moment, Sonko reiterated his broader vision for judicial reform. “Senegalese justice has been damaged by some of its own members,” he said. “We want independent, swift, and credible justice, rendered in the name of the people.”

The fiery exchange underscored ongoing tensions between the opposition and the executive over key issues of governance, accountability, and democratic freedoms. Despite the confrontation, Sonko used the platform to highlight several major reform initiatives his government plans to undertake.

Among them is a bold restructuring of the National Office for the Fight Against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC), aimed at boosting its independence and operational efficiency. He also announced a forthcoming overhaul of the public asset declaration system for officeholders, aimed at strengthening oversight and promoting responsible financial stewardship.

In a significant step toward institutional transparency, Sonko revealed plans to introduce legislation for whistleblower protection. “We want to encourage the denunciation of mismanagement or corruption,” he said. He further confirmed that a law on access to public information will soon be proposed, affirming the government’s commitment to civic empowerment and transparency.

“These reforms are designed to anchor our governance in ethics, transparency, and active citizen participation,” Sonko concluded.

As the prime minister presses forward with his reform agenda, Monday’s parliamentary session made clear that his administration faces determined scrutiny from an opposition intent on holding it accountable for both its promises and its actions.