Ousmane Sonko questions President’s handling of political funds in National Assembly
On Friday, May 22, 2026, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko publicly challenged the President’s approach to managing political funds during a session at the National Assembly in Dakar. Addressing lawmakers during a debate on current affairs, Sonko stated his disagreement with the Head of State, calling the handling of these funds « a mistake ».
In a firm tone, the Prime Minister declared, « I do not agree with the President on this matter », while expressing hope that the presidency would reconsider its stance. The disagreement centers on the oversight and transparency of political funds, a topic that has gained significant attention in Senegal’s political discourse.
Sonko advocates for stricter control over political funds
The Prime Minister emphasized that his party has long advocated for transparent management of political funds. « Since 2014, we have been pushing for this debate. In 2019, it was part of our party’s platform, and in 2024, the issue remains unresolved », he stated. He reiterated that the current administration had pledged to ensure that no public funds would be utilized without proper monitoring mechanisms.
Sonko clarified that the goal is not to abolish these special funds entirely but to implement a rigorous oversight system similar to France’s model. « We have never suggested eliminating these funds. What we demand is accountability and control », he explained.
No intention to transfer funds to the Prime Minister’s Office
Addressing rumors of a potential transfer of these funds to the Prime Minister’s Office, Sonko dismissed such speculations outright. He pointed out that his office already manages a fund exceeding one billion CFA francs. The debate, he argued, is fundamentally about governance and restoring public trust. « Senegalese citizens have long suspected these funds are used to buy political support », he noted, emphasizing that « every franc must be accounted for and transparent ».
Governance and transparency at the heart of the dispute
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore a broader concern about accountability in public finance management. By advocating for stricter controls, Sonko is positioning himself as a champion of transparency, a stance that resonates with many Senegalese who demand greater scrutiny over how public resources are allocated and used.
As the political landscape in Senegal continues to evolve, this public disagreement between the Prime Minister and the President highlights the ongoing tension between reformist ambitions and institutional traditions.
