Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf asserts that Ousmane Sonko’s recent engagements with religious communities starkly contrast with the actual content of the proposed legislation presented to Parliament. He firmly states, « What he is proposing to the National Assembly bears no resemblance to what he conveyed to our religious leaders, » accusing Sonko of a « profound moral issue. »
The political contention surrounding the reform of special credits has intensified with a new development. Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Petroleum and Deputy General Supervisor of the KIIRAAY / Les Patriotes Républicains coalition, has vehemently criticized the National Assembly’s proposed bill concerning these funds. He directly accuses the parliamentary majority, led by its president, Ousmane Sonko, of employing « double language » when addressing religious institutions.
For Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, Ousmane Sonko’s recent tour through various religious centers directly contradicts the substance of the text submitted to Parliament. He reiterates, « What he is proposing to the National Assembly has nothing in common with what he communicated to our religious guides, » highlighting what he perceives as a « deep moral flaw. » The minister bases his argument on Article 2 of the parliamentary proposal, which strictly limits special credits « exclusively » to defense, security, and intelligence. Furthermore, he points to Article 5, which explicitly excludes expenditures of a social nature. He characterizes this wording as « anti-social and anti-religious credits, » arguing that it effectively closes the door to any solidarity initiatives aimed at vulnerable populations.
Conversely, Dr. Diouf commends the Executive’s amendments to the bill. These modifications, he notes, reintroduce provisions for « the preservation of social order » and uphold « humanitarian values, mutual aid, and solidarity. » His conclusion is unequivocal: « Where the Assembly excludes, the Executive includes. » Finally, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf reproaches Ousmane Sonko for having unreservedly utilized political funds during his tenure as Prime Minister. He challenges Sonko to fully acknowledge the implications of his current legislative text, declaring, « Own your discrimination against our religious communities in the allocation of political funds! The Republic! Nothing but the Republic! »
