The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has once again emphasized the need for stricter oversight of political funds to ensure transparent utilization of public resources. His stance sharply contrasts with that of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has previously defended the continuation of these funds.
During a heated parliamentary session addressing current affairs, Ousmane Sonko reiterated his long-standing commitment to transparency in political financing. He clarified that the objective is not to abolish political funds entirely but to establish robust control mechanisms.
The Prime Minister made it clear that every single franc from the Senegalese people must be accounted for and monitored. He disclosed that he himself manages political funds at the Prime Minister’s office, amounting to nearly 1.77 billion CFA francs, emphasizing that the debate is not targeted at any individual.
However, he acknowledged a divergence in views with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has justified the retention of these funds by citing sensitive expenditures such as national security, intelligence, and diplomatic engagements. Sonko countered by highlighting that several Western nations, including France, enforce institutional oversight on such resources through dedicated commissions.
He further revealed that he had engaged in discussions with the President following a parliamentary initiative led by legislator Guy Marius Sagna. According to Sonko, referring the matter to Parliament could undermine the government’s political standing.