Abdourahmane Diouf renews criticism of Ousmane Sonko amid legislative debate

The ongoing debate surrounding the reform of special credits has reached a critical juncture. Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, who serves as the Minister of Petroleum and Deputy General Supervisor for the KIIRAAY / Les Patriotes Républicains coalition, has vociferously challenged the National Assembly’s proposed bill concerning these funds. He has accused the parliamentary majority, led by its president, Ousmane Sonko, of employing “double language” when addressing religious institutions.

Minister Diouf contends that Ousmane Sonko’s recent engagements with religious leaders are inconsistent with the actual content of the legislative text. He emphasized, “His proposals before the National Assembly diverge significantly from the narratives he shared with our spiritual guides,” pointing to a “deep moral inconsistency.” Diouf specifically referenced Article 2 of the parliamentary proposal, which strictly limits special credits to “exclusively” cover defense, security, and intelligence. Furthermore, he cited Article 5, which explicitly bars expenditures of a social nature. Diouf characterized this wording as establishing “anti-social and anti-religious credits,” arguing it effectively blocks financial support for vulnerable populations.

In stark contrast, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf commended the Executive’s proposed amendments. These revisions, he noted, reintroduce provisions for the “preservation of social order” and uphold “humanitarian, mutual aid, and solidarity values.” His conclusion was unequivocal: “Where the Assembly excludes, the Executive includes.” Finally, Dr. Diouf criticized Ousmane Sonko for his past unrestricted use of political funds during his tenure as Prime Minister. He urged Sonko to fully acknowledge the implications of his current legislative text, stating, “Own up to your discrimination against our religious communities in the allocation of political funds! The Republic! Nothing but the Republic!”