In a bold intervention, former minister Abdourahmane Diouf has shed light on the contentious issue of political funds and budget allocations during Ousmane Sonko‘s tenure as Prime Minister. His remarks come at a pivotal moment in Senegal‘s political landscape, following the recent merger of Sonko’s party, Awalé, into the newly formed Kiiraay movement—born from the July 25 consolidation of 437 parties and groups under President Diomaye Faye’s coalition.
Political funds under scrutiny: Sonko’s budget demands
Abdourahmane Diouf revisited the financial resources allocated to the Prime Minister’s office, emphasizing the figures disclosed during his own tenure. « Ousmane Sonko reported having access to 1.77 billion CFA francs per quarter, » he recalled. Delving deeper into the spending patterns, he noted: « After depleting this sum, he even requested an additional allocation—clearly indicating the funds fell short of his needs. »
The former minister’s remarks follow Sonko’s public disclosure of the quarterly budget before lawmakers on May 22, just hours before his dismissal. Diouf advocated for a thorough public audit, stressing the need for transparency. « I believe a parliamentary inquiry commission should be established, with all televisions and radios broadcasting the proceedings, to reveal exactly where this money was spent, » he asserted.
Transparency as a new standard in Senegalese governance
When questioned about the contrasting governance styles between Sonko and President Diomaye Faye, Diouf praised the latter’s approach. « All Senegalese are aware of the existence of political funds, and their amounts are no secret, » he began. He highlighted the president’s commitment to ending the culture of opacity surrounding these allocations.
« The president has set a precedent by publicly declaring: “These political funds exist, and I will use them in this specific manner.” » Diouf emphasized the legitimacy of such transparency, framing it as a historic institutional shift. « We are now operating in an era of complete transparency in executing a budget approved by the National Assembly. No one can claim misappropriation, » he concluded.
