National Assembly: What is happening with biometric identity cards?

The Senegalese National Assembly has deferred the bill no. 21/2026 to extend the validity of CEDEAO biometric identity cards that are expiring. The bill, which had already passed committee, was intended to allow an exceptional extension of validity but was postponed at the request of Abdoulaye Tall, head of the Law Commission. Approximately 700,000 cards need urgent renewal, with production handled by Malaysian operator Iris, whose contract ends in May 2027. The extension is expected to last no more than one year to facilitate the production of new cards.