Land allocations: Ousmane Sonko requests clarification from the justice minister
Following Thursday’s plenary session, which focused on ratifying six proposed resolutions to establish inquiry commissions, Ousmane Sonko revealed he had received two responses from the Minister of Justice, the Keeper of the Seals.
Ousmane Sonko, serving as the President of the National Assembly, is seeking detailed information regarding the scope of the judicial proceedings mentioned by the Minister of Justice. These proceedings pertain to land allocation operations that are the subject of a proposed parliamentary inquiry commission. Until sufficient evidence confirms that the judicial process encompasses all relevant facts, the legislative body intends to continue its investigations.
After the plenary session dedicated to approving six resolutions for the creation of investigative commissions, Sonko confirmed that he had indeed received two communications from the Justice Minister. He emphasized, “If we do not obtain further details on a judicial procedure concerning these matters, the National Assembly will be compelled to proceed with its work through parliamentary inquiry commissions.”
The President of the National Assembly further clarified that the initial response from the minister indicated a judicial inquiry concerning land allocation activities around the airport, specifically in the vicinity of the pilgrim’s hangar. Deeming this information inadequate, Sonko confirmed that he had explicitly requested additional specifics. He stated, “I asked him for this in the letter I wrote.” Subsequently, a second reply reportedly confirmed an investigation conducted by the National Gendarmerie’s Research Section, initiated at the financial prosecutor’s request, with its report already finalized.
However, for Ousmane Sonko, this existing judicial process does not appear to encompass all the land allocation operations targeted by the proposed resolution, particularly those affecting the coastal zone. It is a fundamental principle that a judicial procedure covering the same facts obstructs the establishment or continuation of parliamentary inquiry commissions. Therefore, the immediate challenge lies in precisely defining the boundaries of the ongoing legal proceedings. Sonko reiterated his warning: “If we do not receive more comprehensive clarifications,” the National Assembly will press ahead with its work. Consequently, the inquiry commission could continue its investigations into any operations not covered by the judicial process.
