The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress in judicial proceedings concerning financial accountability. Speaking during an interministerial meeting focused on infrastructure, he directly challenged the Minister of Justice, Yassine Fall, over the stalled investigations.
In a sharp rebuke, Sonko questioned the effectiveness of ongoing efforts, declaring, “Madam Minister, what is the justice system actually doing? I sometimes have my doubts. Is all this effort really necessary?”
He went further, accusing unnamed officials of operating with impunity, stating, “In this country, people can get away with anything, and they are well protected. The system remains untouched, billions have been squandered, and no legal consequences have followed.”
Sonko emphasized that the government’s mandate was precisely to hold wrongdoers accountable. “If this continues, there’s no point. We shouldn’t keep asking Senegalese citizens to refinance the same projects while those responsible for embezzlement parade freely. That makes no sense.”
Highlighting widespread judicial scandals, he added, “If the justice system itself is compromised, Madam Minister, I don’t know what you’re doing with these cases—because no actions have been taken.”
Minister of Justice responds with assurances
Yassine Fall reassured the Prime Minister that her ministry is fully committed to ensuring accountability, despite structural challenges. “Under my leadership, we are working tirelessly to ensure those at fault face consequences. With divine will, we will achieve results that satisfy the Senegalese people,” she stated.
Sonko remained unconvinced, stressing that renegotiating prison construction projects must not overshadow the need for accountability. “Responsibility must be established, and sanctions must be applied—especially for public officials, whether from the previous or current administration. No one should be exempt,” he insisted, even accusing unnamed actors of “judicial sabotage.”
He demanded transparency, insisting that updates on each case be made public. “These cases don’t belong to any judge, no matter their rank. They belong to the Senegalese people—and we will raise our voices to ensure justice is served.”
