On November 15, 2026, at a conference organized by the first promotion of the LMD system of the Faculty of Legal and Political Sciences (FSJP) at the University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, Senegal's Minister of Justice, Me Moussa Sarr, presented the future developments of liberal judicial professions. The conference, themed "The future of liberal judicial professions: challenges, opportunities, and adaptations," allowed the Minister to discuss the changes affecting the legal professions and the new requirements that future practitioners will have to face.
Me Moussa Sarr announced that a new text governing the status of judicial commissioners is being finalized. This reform includes the creation of a single profession of judicial commissioner, bringing together bailiffs and auctioneers within a National Order. This profession will be accessible to holders of a master's degree in law, either through a direct or professional competitive examination. The exercise of this profession will be possible individually, in a professional civil society, or as an employee.
The Minister highlighted new opportunities for young jurists, including emerging sectors such as energy law, digital law, personal data protection, compliance, arbitration, and mediation. The exploitation of oil, gas, and mineral resources, as well as the opening of African markets, also constitute new perspectives for Senegalese professionals. Furthermore, Me Moussa Sarr encouraged young professionals to set up in regions, particularly in Kédougou, Matam, and Ziguinchor, to decentralize legal services.
Me Moussa Sarr emphasized the importance of making justice more accessible, particularly through legal assistance, free consultations, and fees adapted to the purchasing power of populations. He recalled that "the law should not become the privilege of those who can pay for it." The Minister also invited future professionals to familiarize themselves with new technologies, such as artificial intelligence, while keeping in mind the fundamental requirements of their professions.
The Minister stressed that artificial intelligence can facilitate certain tasks but cannot replace the discernment, responsibility, and deontology of legal professionals. Addressing the graduates of the Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé promotion, Me Moussa Sarr insisted on the importance of patience, perseverance, and continuous training. He cited the example of the late Bâtonnier Yérim Thiam, whose professional reputation was built over time through hard work and rigor.
Through this meeting, the Minister of Justice invited the new generation of jurists to anticipate the transformations of their sector and to participate fully in the modernization of the legal professions in Senegal. He encouraged them to be aware of the changes affecting their sector and to adapt to new challenges. The Minister's speech aimed to inspire and guide the young professionals as they begin their careers.
The conference was an opportunity for the Minister to engage with the new generation of jurists and to outline his vision for the future of the judicial sector in Senegal. The reforms announced aim to modernize the judicial professions, increase access to justice, and provide new opportunities for young professionals. As the sector continues to evolve, the Minister's message emphasized the importance of adaptation, hard work, and a commitment to the values of the legal profession.
Key points
- Creation of a single profession of judicial commissioner
- Decentralization of legal services
- Increased access to justice
