In a sweeping statement on political fund management under former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, Minister Abdourahmane Diouf has ignited fresh debate over public expenditure transparency in Senegal.
The remarks come as the political landscape undergoes a major transformation following the recent merger of 437 parties into Kiiraay, President Diomaye Faye’s newly formed movement launched on July 25 in Dakar. This merger consolidates the former Diomaye Président coalition into a single political force, signaling a new era in national governance.
How much was allocated—and was it enough?
Minister Diouf provided detailed insight into the financial resources granted to Ousmane Sonko during his tenure at the Prime Minister’s office. He recalled that Sonko publicly declared receiving 1.77 billion CFA francs per quarter—a figure confirmed before lawmakers on May 22, just hours before his dismissal.
Yet, despite this substantial allocation, Sonko reportedly requested additional funds, raising concerns about budgetary discipline. Diouf emphasized this point: “Once the 1.77 billion CFA francs were used, a top-up was requested—indicating that it was still insufficient.”
Calls for full transparency in fund usage
In response to these financial decisions, Abdourahmane Diouf advocated for a public accountability process. He proposed establishing a parliamentary inquiry commission with live media coverage, stating: “We need televised public sessions where every franc is traced and explained.”
Contrast with President Diomaye’s governance model
Diouf contrasted Sonko’s management style with that of President Diomaye Faye, praising the latter’s commitment to openness. He highlighted a key shift in public fund transparency, noting that while political funds have always existed, their usage was previously shrouded in secrecy.
“Every Senegalese knows the president’s political funds are real and their allocation is now openly declared,” Diouf said. “For the first time, a president has stood before the nation and said: ‘Here’s where the money goes.’”
He concluded by underscoring this as a historic institutional milestone: “We are now in an era of complete transparency in budget execution. No one can claim funds were misused.”