Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko expressed strong discontent during a high-level interministerial meeting on infrastructure development. His remarks came as Justice Minister Yassine Fall presented a report on the sector’s challenges, including infrastructure deficits and governance issues in construction projects.
Frustrated by the lack of judicial proceedings in financial mismanagement cases, Sonko directly questioned the Minister of Justice: « What is the justice system doing? Sometimes I wonder if all these efforts are even necessary. » He went on to criticize what he perceives as systemic protection for those responsible, stating: « In this country, you can do whatever you want and remain untouchable. The system is unscathed, billions have been squandered, and no legal consequences have followed. »
Accusing authorities of failing to hold wrongdoers accountable, Sonko emphasized the government’s mandate to establish responsibility: « We were brought to power to ensure those responsible face consequences. Otherwise, it makes no sense to ask Senegalese citizens to repeatedly fund the same projects while others embezzle millions and walk freely. »
The Prime Minister also highlighted concerns about judicial integrity, questioning how the justice system can function when it itself is compromised: « If the justice system is under attack, what recourse does the Minister have with these cases? »
Justice Minister Yassine Fall responded by pledging her ministry’s commitment to pursuing legal action against those responsible, acknowledging structural challenges but vowing results: « We are working tirelessly, and God willing, we will deliver outcomes that satisfy the Senegalese people. »
Accountability beyond infrastructure
Sonko doubled down on his call for transparency, supporting negotiations for new prison construction projects while stressing that this should not overshadow the need to identify and sanction public officials—past and present—responsible for financial misconduct. He warned of what he termed « judicial sabotage », insisting that every case must be publicly exposed: « These cases do not belong to magistrates, regardless of their rank. They belong to all Senegalese citizens. »
The Prime Minister concluded with a stern warning, signaling a shift in tone: « We will soon raise our voices higher. These cases are not the property of magistrates, the Prime Minister, or the President—they belong to everyone. »
