Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has openly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s stance on political funds, reigniting a long-standing debate that traces back to 2019. Sonko emphasizes the urgent need for strict transparency measures, even as he acknowledges the necessity of these funds remaining in existence. His remarks have intensified discussions within government circles, highlighting deep divisions over how public money should be managed.
Public disagreements over political fund management
During a May 2 interview at the Presidential Palace, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the continuation of political funds, though he conceded their sensitivity regarding transparency. He argued that these funds, which cannot be publicly itemized, are essential for intelligence operations, national security, international solidarity commitments, and domestic state obligations.
Prime Minister Sonko responded with a firm rebuttal, stating: “The existence of political funds was a campaign promise. I disagree with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—he made a mistake. I trust he will correct course.” He traced the origins of the debate back several years, noting that the issue was self-initiated by their political camp. “Since 2019, we have championed the demand for full transparency in all public funds. No one forced this upon us; we recognized that every franc of taxpayer money must be accounted for.”
Demanding stricter oversight, not elimination
Sonko clarified that his objection is not about abolishing political funds entirely, but about imposing rigorous control mechanisms. Drawing parallels with governance models in France, he stated: “We are not calling for the elimination of political funds, but for their management to be as transparent as in other democracies.” He went on to reveal that his own office at the Prime Minister’s headquarters manages 1.77 billion in political funds, reinforcing his argument that the debate transcends personal interests. “This isn’t about me. Senegalese citizens refuse to accept these funds being misused for political favors or personal enrichment.”
Legislative push for reform
Sonko underscored the principle that no public funds should evade scrutiny. He addressed an ongoing legislative process, commenting: “When I learned that legislator Guy Marius Sagna intended to introduce a bill on this matter, I advised the president that such a move would be counterproductive. I explained that this is an executive responsibility, not one for lawmakers. If the necessary reforms stall, I will personally ensure the proposal is advanced in the Council of Ministers.”
