This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of the Republic of Senegal (Republique du Senegal), based on research produced by GlobaLex at NYU Law School and the Library of Congress. Under Senegal's Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has limited legal status.
Country Background
Senegal is a country located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean. It is bounded by Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The capital of Senegal is Dakar. The official language is French. The country's population in 2017 was approximately 14.7 million. Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country, with about 95% of the population Muslim. Senegal is a member state of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Constitution & Legal Structure
Senegal is referred to as a presidential republic, in which sovereignty belongs to the people and the Constitution is the supreme law of the land. The current Constitution of Senegal was ratified in 2002, and was most recently amended in 2009. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The legal system of Senegal is a civil law system based on the French model.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no constitutional status in Senegal, except for matters of inheritance in which the deceased indicated that they wanted sharīʿa to be applied.
Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law
Islamic law some official jurisdiction of operation in Senegal, regarding matters of inheritance.
Dominant School of Islamic Law
Senegal has no official school of Islamic law. The majority of the Muslim population in the country is Sunnī (adhering to the Mālikī school). In addition, about 95% of Muslims in Senegal (more than in any other country) belong to a Sufī ṭarīqah (order).
Sources of Law for Legal Research
Official Publications
Unofficial Databases
References:
For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide, and for a narrative review, see the GlobaLex Foreign Law Research Guide (most updated version, where available). The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English translation. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].