Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reiterated his commitment to establishing rigorous oversight and transparency for political funds. He emphasized that regulating these resources was a core promise made to the people of Sénégal during the election campaign. While discussing this sensitive topic, the head of government also acknowledged a difference of opinion with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding the specific management of these assets.
The conversation regarding political funds resurfaced following an interview given by the Head of State on May 2 at the Presidential Palace. During that session, Bassirou Diomaye Faye supported maintaining these funds, citing their necessity for national security, intelligence, and international cooperation, while also recognizing the transparency challenges they present.
A long-standing reform agenda
Speaking before the National Assembly, Ousmane Sonko noted that reforming political funds has been a long-standing objective for his political movement. He stated that since 2019, they have championed the idea that all public expenditures must be subject to clear and transparent standards.
The Prime Minister clarified that his goal is not to abolish these funds entirely but to implement a strict monitoring system. He pointed to democratic models, such as those used in France, as examples of how these resources should be managed and audited.
Preventing personal enrichment
Ousmane Sonko stressed the importance of maintaining public trust in the administration of national resources. He revealed that the Prime Minister’s office currently holds 1.77 billion CFA in political funds, asserting that the debate is about systemic integrity rather than personal politics. He insisted that these funds must never be used as a political reward or for personal gain.
The head of government remained firm on the principle of accountability in public finance. He declared that no taxpayer money should be exempt from audits, advocating for a governance model rooted in transparency and the duty to report.
Regarding the legislative path for this reform, Ousmane Sonko indicated a preference for an executive-led initiative. He mentioned discussions with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye following a bill proposed by Deputy Guy Marius Sagna. The Prime Minister intends to present a formal text to the Council of Ministers soon if current consultations do not reach a swift conclusion.
