In a rare public display of disagreement within Senegal’s leadership, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko openly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s stance on political funds, sparking significant attention across the nation. Addressing the matter with unfiltered candor, Sonko made it clear that his vision for governance diverged sharply from the President’s approach.
During a parliamentary session, Sonko declared, « I fundamentally disagree with the President on this issue. I believe he has made an error, and I trust he will reconsider his position. » He emphasized that the coalition’s original commitment was never to abolish these funds entirely but to eradicate their misuse, ensuring « no hidden treasury filled with Senegalese taxpayers’ money remains unchecked and unaccountable. »
Highlighting the scale of the issue, Sonko revealed that the Prime Minister’s office alone holds 1.77 billion FCFA in political funds. He stressed that these resources must no longer serve as « a political tool for vote-buying or personal enrichment. »
To combat opacity, Sonko proposed sweeping reforms centered on transparency and parliamentary oversight, drawing inspiration from the French model. While acknowledging the necessity of certain confidential budgets—such as those linked to national security—he advocated for a specialized parliamentary committee to verify that allocated funds are used as intended. « Some budgets cannot be disclosed publicly, but that doesn’t mean they should escape scrutiny entirely, » he argued.
Taking a firm stance on accountability, Sonko announced a ban on cash transactions for managing government funds. Instead, he pledged to rely solely on electronic transfers and checks. « This is a matter of principle. The funds will persist, and I’m not opposed to increasing them—provided they are rigorously controlled. » His remarks were met with applause from lawmakers, underscoring the gravity of the reform agenda he champions.
