Dr Abdourahmane Diouf contends that Ousmane Sonko’s recent visits to religious communities starkly contradict the actual content of the legislation presented to Parliament. He asserts, « What he proposes to the National Assembly bears no resemblance to what he conveyed to our religious leaders, » highlighting what he perceives as a « profound moral issue. »
The ongoing political discourse surrounding the reform of special credits has reached a new flashpoint in Senegal. Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, who serves as the Minister of Petroleum and the Deputy General Supervisor for the KIIRAAY / Les Patriotes Républicains coalition, has vociferously criticized the National Assembly’s proposed bill concerning these funds. He directly accused the parliamentary majority and its president, Ousmane Sonko, of employing « double language » when engaging with religious communities across the nation.
According to Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, Ousmane Sonko’s recent tour of various religious centers stands in direct opposition to the true substance of the legislative text currently before Parliament. Diouf firmly states, « The provisions he advocates for in the National Assembly are completely disconnected from the narrative he shared with our esteemed religious guides, » further condemning this as a « deep-seated moral problem. » The minister’s critique centers on Article 2 of the parliamentary proposal, which restricts special credits « exclusively » to expenditures related to defense, security, and intelligence. He also points to Article 5, which explicitly bars any spending of a social nature. Diouf labels this specific wording as « anti-social and anti-religious credits, » arguing that it effectively closes the door on any form of solidarity or support for vulnerable segments of society.
In stark contrast, Dr. Diouf lauded the amendments put forth by the Executive branch. These amendments, he notes, reintroduce crucial provisions such as « the preservation of social order » and uphold « humanitarian, mutual aid, and solidarity values. » His conclusion is unequivocal: « Where the Assembly seeks to exclude, the Executive strives to include. » Finally, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf challenged Ousmane Sonko, reminding him that he himself had utilized political funds without reservation during his tenure as Prime Minister. Diouf urged Sonko to fully acknowledge the implications of his proposed legislation: « Own your discrimination against our religious communities in the allocation of political funds! The Republic! Nothing but the Republic! »