In Sénégal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko convened an inter-ministerial council on Thursday, May 21. During this important session, the head of government voiced profound frustration regarding the handling of certain affairs and reiterated accusations of widespread malfeasance against the former administration of Macky Sall.
“The facts defy comprehension,” Sonko declared following the presentation of an audit report detailing public assets and infrastructure. This inventory, compiled by the Primature, revealed a staggering 245 infrastructure projects and strategic assets that are currently stalled, incomplete, or significantly underutilized. The total financial impact of these issues is estimated to exceed 5,000 billion FCFA, a sum equivalent to Sénégal’s entire annual budget. “Some even believe this amount corresponds to our public debt… it is pure and simple waste,” the Prime Minister asserted with indignation.
Another alarming discovery highlighted was that out of 94 ongoing construction projects across the nation, 62 are virtually at a standstill. These dormant initiatives have already consumed over 5,227 billion FCFA. The specific case of the Sandiara high school, which commenced construction in 2014 and remains unfinished, particularly “shocked” Sonko. “Twelve years to build a high school. This is an aberration,” he exclaimed.
Ousmane Sonko’s stance on accountability
The head of government seized the opportunity to once again critique the judicial system, alleging that it protects powerful figures from the previous regime and individuals accused of embezzling public funds.
“For me, sometimes, I have doubts. I question whether it’s worth continuing. In this country, you can commit almost any act and still be well-shielded. The system remains intact,” stated Ousmane Sonko. He further alluded to the existence of alleged “judicial sabotages,” suggesting the involvement of certain magistrates. “These cases do not belong to the magistrates; they belong to the people,” he emphasized, before warning that he would “raise the tone” in the coming weeks.
“The facts defy comprehension,” Sonko declared following the presentation of an audit report detailing public assets and infrastructure. This inventory, compiled by the Primature, revealed a staggering 245 infrastructure projects and strategic assets that are currently stalled, incomplete, or significantly underutilized. The total financial impact of these issues is estimated to exceed 5,000 billion FCFA, a sum equivalent to Sénégal’s entire annual budget. “Some even believe this amount corresponds to our public debt… it is pure and simple waste,” the Prime Minister asserted with indignation.
Another alarming discovery highlighted was that out of 94 ongoing construction projects across the nation, 62 are virtually at a standstill. These dormant initiatives have already consumed over 5,227 billion FCFA. The specific case of the Sandiara high school, which commenced construction in 2014 and remains unfinished, particularly “shocked” Sonko. “Twelve years to build a high school. This is an aberration,” he exclaimed.
Ousmane Sonko’s stance on accountability
The head of government seized the opportunity to once again critique the judicial system, alleging that it protects powerful figures from the previous regime and individuals accused of embezzling public funds.
“For me, sometimes, I have doubts. I question whether it’s worth continuing. In this country, you can commit almost any act and still be well-shielded. The system remains intact,” stated Ousmane Sonko. He further alluded to the existence of alleged “judicial sabotages,” suggesting the involvement of certain magistrates. “These cases do not belong to the magistrates; they belong to the people,” he emphasized, before warning that he would “raise the tone” in the coming weeks.
