DAKAR, Senegal – Seventy-seven young leaders, elected by their peers as “mayors-children,” are making a direct appeal to the Senegalese government for the adoption of the country’s long-delayed Code de l’Enfant (Child Code). The initiative, spearheaded by the Conseil Municipal des Enfants (CME), represents a novel approach to child advocacy, placing the voices of young citizens at the forefront of policy discussions. The push for the Code’s ratification gained momentum this week as members of the National Assembly met with the young leaders in Dakar, signaling a potential breakthrough in the effort to secure comprehensive legal protections for Senegal’s children.
The CME, established through a partnership between the Coalition Nationale des Associations et ONG en Faveur de l’Enfant (CONAFE) and UNICEF, aims to ensure that the needs and rights of children are meaningfully considered in decision-making processes at all levels of government. The current lack of a fully adopted Child Code, despite its existence, leaves many children vulnerable and without the full scope of legal safeguards available to them. This advocacy effort, focused on the critical issue of child protection, is a testament to the growing recognition of children as active participants in shaping their own futures.
A Parliament for the Young: Demanding a Voice in Governance
Mouhamadou Lamine Diatta, the mayor-child of Sédhiou and spokesperson for the CME, articulated the group’s core demand: “We have a Code of the Child, but it has not yet been adopted. Our expectation is to adopt this code so that every child can enjoy their rights, and duties. We also want to have a national children’s parliament, to monitor our actions so that each mayor can take into account our advocacy.” The call for a dedicated parliamentary body reflects a desire for sustained engagement and accountability, ensuring that children’s concerns are not merely heard, but actively addressed in the legislative process.
The meeting with the National Assembly, held beginning Monday, March 23, 2026, and continuing through Wednesday, March 25, 2026, proved pivotal. Samba Dang, 7th Vice-President of the National Assembly, representing the President of the Assembly, pledged his support to the CME’s cause. “We came to represent the President of the National Assembly because we heard the grievances of the children and we are obliged to take them into account,” Dang stated. “A society is always determined by the education given to its children.”
Legislative Support and a Vision for the Future
Dang committed to working towards official recognition of the CME, both at the local and national levels. He also proposed integrating children’s perspectives into the budgetary process. “They have the right to express themselves and we will fight to ensure that children have their own Parliament to support the initial finance law so that their concerns are taken into account. But above all, in the municipalities, they should also be consulted during budget votes,” he explained. This commitment signals a potential shift towards more inclusive governance, where the voices of young citizens are actively sought and valued.
The idea of a “children’s parliament” resonated with lawmakers, who saw it as an investment in future leadership. Dang added, “The children’s parliament makes us think of an initiative to take into account these children who will be our future leaders tomorrow, if they are trained and stimulated from a young age. It is simply an investment in the future which is highly important because no one is supposed to ignore the law. And if children know the laws before they are even deputies, that is a good thing and it can allow us to simply popularize parliamentary action.”
UNICEF Backs Youth-Led Advocacy
Jacques Boyer, Representative of UNICEF in Senegal, emphasized the importance of recognizing children not merely as beneficiaries of aid, but as active agents of change. “Every child in Senegal deserves a better future, and together we can achieve it. What is happening today is essential. It is not simply about listening to children. It is about recognizing their role as full actors in public life, capable of proposing, analyzing and carrying a vision for their country,” Boyer said. He urged lawmakers to translate their words into concrete action, acknowledging that the future of Senegal depends on investing in its youngest citizens.
Boyer directly appealed to the members of the National Assembly: “Listen to these voices with attention, consider them seriously, and transform them into concrete actions. The challenges are numerous but Senegal will not be able to develop sustainably and equitably without taking into account the needs, rights and opinions of those who already constitute more than 50% of the population and represent the actors and decision-makers of tomorrow.” He highlighted that the discussions between the children and the deputies represented a powerful signal of commitment to inclusive governance.
During the meetings, the young leaders debated a range of complex issues, including the Child Code, Senegal’s Vision 2050 development plan, protection against violence, climate change, and their role in society. They focused on how laws and public policies could better protect and support them. “Today, you come with clear messages. You come with proposals. And above all, you come with a strong conviction that your voice counts. You make us proud and this confirms to us that the future of Senegal is in very good hands,” Boyer concluded.
Next Steps and Continued Advocacy
The momentum generated by this week’s meetings is expected to fuel further advocacy efforts. The CME plans to continue engaging with lawmakers and civil society organizations to build support for the adoption of the Child Code and the establishment of a national children’s parliament. The National Assembly has committed to reviewing the CME’s proposals and initiating legislative action. The next key checkpoint is a scheduled debate on child welfare legislation in the National Assembly in May 2026, where the CME’s recommendations are expected to be formally considered.
The success of this youth-led initiative could serve as a model for other countries seeking to empower children and ensure their voices are heard in the halls of power. The work of UNICEF and CONAFE in supporting the CME demonstrates the importance of investing in children’s participation in governance.
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