Senator Ousmane Sonko challenges President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over political funds management

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has openly disputed President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s approach to political funds, a controversy that has simmered since 2019. While Sonko insists on strict transparency, he maintains that such funds must remain intact, creating internal government tension.

The Prime Minister made his stance clear during a recent interview at the Presidential Palace. While President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has defended the existence of political funds, citing national security and international obligations, Sonko remains unconvinced.

Sonko emphasized that transparency must be non-negotiable: “Political funds are a campaign promise, and I strongly disagree with President Diomaye’s position. I believe he will reconsider his stance.” He traced the debate back to 2019, when his party first pushed for stricter oversight of such funds.

The Prime Minister clarified that his goal is not to eliminate political funds entirely but to impose rigorous controls: “We are not calling for their abolition—just transparent management, similar to systems in France.” He revealed that the Prime Minister’s Office currently manages 1.77 billion in political funds, adding that public demand centers on preventing misuse for personal enrichment.

Sonko underscored the broader principle: “No public funds should evade scrutiny. This is a matter of principle.” He also addressed the ongoing legislative process, stressing that the executive branch should lead reform rather than the legislature.

With tensions rising, the Prime Minister warned: “If legislative action delays necessary oversight, I will ensure the proposal moves forward in the Council of Ministers.”