Chronicler exposes alleged financial mismanagement under former Prime Minister
In a scathing critique aired on a national television program, prominent commentator Badara Gadiaga has accused Ousmane Sonko of recklessly depleting Senegal’s political funds during his tenure as Prime Minister. Speaking to a national audience, Gadiaga highlighted that 142 days have passed since Sonko’s dismissal on May 22, 2026, during which time the former head of government allegedly exhausted nearly the entire 1.77 billion CFA franc allocation earmarked for political activities.
According to Gadiaga’s calculations, Sonko’s administration spent an average of 12 million CFA francs per day, leaving his successor, Al Aminou Lo, with a meager 70 million CFA francs remaining. This staggering daily expenditure exceeds the monthly stipend of 300,000 CFA francs reportedly allocated to Sonko himself for political operations.
Contradictions in public spending revealed
The commentator drew sharp contrasts between the government’s economic recovery rhetoric and the stark realities faced by ordinary citizens. He referenced the tragic case of student Abdoulaye Ba, whose death highlighted the desperate need for unpaid 40,000 CFA franc scholarships, while millions were being channeled through political funds. This disparity, Gadiaga argued, epitomizes what he terms ‘financial vampirism’—a practice where public resources are diverted away from critical social needs toward political maneuvering.
The allegations underscore growing public skepticism about transparency in government spending, particularly concerning allocations meant for broader socioeconomic development.
