Senegal’s Prime Minister publicly criticizes presidential approach to political funds
The Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, took a bold stance this Friday during a parliamentary session, openly contradicting the President’s position on the management of political funds. Addressing lawmakers during a question-and-answer segment, Sonko declared that « the head of state made a mistake » in handling this sensitive dossier, adding that « I disagree with him on this issue » while expressing hope for a presidential reconsideration.
Long-standing demands for transparent political fund management
Sonko emphasized that his political movement has consistently advocated for stricter control over political funds since 2014. « We have been raising this debate for years—our 2019 electoral program included this demand, and the situation remains unchanged in 2024 », he stated. The Prime Minister stressed that the current administration had pledged to ensure no public funds would be disbursed without proper oversight mechanisms.
Proposed reforms: supervision, not elimination
Clarifying his stance, Sonko clarified that his party never intended to abolish political funds entirely. Instead, he proposed implementing a supervisory system similar to France’s model. « Our position has never been to eliminate these funds but to enforce strict controls », he explained. The Prime Minister dismissed rumors suggesting these funds might be transferred to the Prime Minister’s office, noting that his administration already manages a fund exceeding one billion West African CFA francs.
Governance and public trust at the heart of the debate
Sonko highlighted that the core issue revolves around governance and public confidence. « Many Senegalese citizens believe these funds are used to purchase political support », he remarked, reaffirming that « not a single franc should escape scrutiny ».
N’Famoussa Siby’s role in the discussion
While addressing the assembly, the Prime Minister also acknowledged N’Famoussa Siby‘s involvement in the ongoing discourse surrounding political fund governance.