Ousmane Sonko challenges president diomaye faye on ‘black box’ funds in touba

At the Pastef gathering in Touba, Ousmane Sonko reignited his critique of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, highlighting ongoing disagreements surrounding the administration of the presidency’s “caisse noire.” In defending his party’s financial practices, Sonko firmly asserted that Pastef refrains from utilizing state resources to fund its various activities.

“Pastef is not a party that draws from state coffers to finance its programs. Such a practice is forbidden for us,” he declared to an assembly of his supporters. This statement alluded to the persistent dispute between the two prominent figures regarding the presidential “caisse noire.” For several weeks, Ousmane Sonko has openly questioned the very existence of this fund, arguing that it stands in direct opposition to the principles of transparency that both he and President Faye championed before assuming power.

While in Touba, Sonko refrained from explicitly naming the head of state, but he strongly implied that these resources could potentially be leveraged to solidify a political base in anticipation of upcoming electoral contests. He reiterated Pastef’s commitment to relying on membership fees and contributions from its dedicated militants. The president of Pastef also took aim at those who have disparaged the successful membership card sales campaign undertaken by his party. Referring to certain political figures as “bitter,” he delivered a powerful message in Wolof: “s’il n’y a pas de mort, dina am blessé,” an evocative expression conveying that his political opponents will not emerge unscathed as Pastef continues to gain momentum and influence.