Senegal’s political funds under scrutiny: Ousmane Sonko calls for tighter, transparent oversight
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reiterated his commitment to tightening oversight and ensuring full transparency over political funds, framing the issue as a campaign promise made to the Senegalese people. In a rare public exchange, he acknowledged a fundamental disagreement with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding the management of these resources.
Public debate on political funds resurfaced following a May 2 interview at the Presidential Palace, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the continued existence of these funds while acknowledging the transparency challenges they present. The Head of State highlighted their role in intelligence, national security, international solidarity and responding to repeated demands on the state.
Addressing lawmakers, Ousmane Sonko underscored that the issue of political funds has long been a priority for his political movement. “We have championed this debate since 2019, not because it was imposed on us, but because we believe all public funds must be fully transparent,” he stated.
Clarifying his position, the Prime Minister emphasized that his goal is not to eliminate political funds, but to subject them to rigorous oversight mechanisms similar to those in place in other democracies. “We are not proposing to abolish political funds, but they must be controlled as they are in countries like France,” he explained.
Sonko also stressed the need to restore public trust in the management of state resources. Referring to funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s Office, he disclosed that 1.77 billion FCFA is available, while insisting the debate “is not personal.” In his view, Senegalese citizens expect these funds to be used neither as political spoils nor instruments for personal enrichment.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed his dedication to accountability in public finance management. “No taxpayer funds should escape scrutiny,” he declared, advocating for governance rooted in transparency and accountability.
Regarding the legislative process, Sonko indicated he favors an executive-led initiative. He revealed that he has engaged in discussions with the President following the announcement of a draft law by lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna. The Prime Minister announced his intention to submit a bill to the Council of Ministers soon if ongoing consultations fail to yield timely results.
Next steps and stakeholder engagement
The Prime Minister’s stance signals a potential shift in how Senegal manages its political funds, moving toward stricter compliance and audit frameworks. Civil society and opposition figures are expected to monitor the process closely, as the government balances transparency demands with national security imperatives.
