Adopted by the Law Commission, draft law no. 03/2026 concerning private security activities is currently being debated in plenary session at the National Assembly. Particular emphasis is being placed on the protection of workers in the sector and the fight against the emergence of informal armed groups.

During the committee review, members of parliament strongly condemned certain practices deemed contrary to the Labor Code. They specifically highlighted the prolonged retention of employees in precarious employment statuses and their assignment to high-crime areas without adequate protective equipment.

The new text takes a tougher stance: failure to comply with social obligations could now lead to the outright withdrawal of the offending companies' operating licenses. At the same time, the bill introduces provisions formally prohibiting the formation of private militias or paramilitary groups, in order to preserve public order.

The parliamentarians also discussed the specific security context in public and university spaces, citing in particular the case of Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD). They stressed the need for strict oversight of security operations to guarantee respect for the fundamental rights of citizens and students.

Through this bill, the authorities intend to strengthen the rule of law while structuring a sector that has become strategic for the protection of people and property in Senegal. The debates in plenary session should allow for the refinement of certain technical provisions before the final adoption of the text by the assembly.

Security Guard reform: Towards the withdrawal of accreditation for companies that violate the Labor Code