Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has publicly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s stance on the management of political funds, reigniting a longstanding debate that traces back to 2019. While Sonko advocates for stringent transparency measures, he maintains that such funds should continue to exist—a position that has sparked internal government tensions.
Unease in government over political fund transparency
During an exclusive interview at the Presidential Palace on May 2, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the issue of political funds, defending their necessity while acknowledging their delicate nature in terms of transparency. He stated, « Political funds cover expenditures that cannot be disclosed to the public. » The Head of State justified their existence by citing intelligence and security requirements, international solidarity obligations, and domestic state solicitations.
Sonko pushes for strict oversight, not abolition
In a firm rebuttal, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko clarified that his stance does not advocate for the outright elimination of political funds but rather their rigorous regulation. He emphasized, « We are not calling for the abolition of political funds, but they must be controlled as in countries like France. » Sharing details from his own governance at the Prime Ministry, Sonko revealed, « At the Prime Ministry, I manage 1.77 billion in political funds. This debate is not personal; Senegalese citizens demand that these funds not be misused for political patronage or personal enrichment. »
A matter of principle and public trust
Sonko underscored the imperative of transparency in public fund management, asserting, « These are matters of principle: no public funds should evade scrutiny. » He also commented on the ongoing legislative process surrounding the issue, noting, « When I learned that Guy Marius Sagna was preparing to introduce a bill, I told the President it would be a failure for the legislature to spearhead this law, as it was an executive commitment. I disagreed with the arguments he presented on television. If delays persist, I will take the proposal to the Council of Ministers myself. »
This sharp exchange highlights a growing divide within the administration over financial transparency and the management of state resources.
