Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has reiterated his commitment to tighter oversight and transparency in the management of political funds, framing it as a core pledge made to the Senegalese people during his electoral campaign. Speaking on this sensitive issue, the government leader also acknowledged a policy disagreement with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding how these resources should be administered.

Renewed debate over political funds

The discussion surrounding political funds resurfaced following a May 2nd interview with the Head of State at the Presidential Palace. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the continuation of these funds while acknowledging legitimate transparency concerns tied to their use. The President highlighted key justifications including national intelligence priorities, security imperatives, international solidarity obligations, and the high volume of state solicitations.

Clear stance from the Prime Minister’s office

Addressing legislators, Ousmane Sonko emphasized that the issue of political funds has been a long-standing reform priority for his political movement. “Since 2019, we initiated this debate on political funds. This was not imposed on us; we believed all public funds must be transparent,” he stated during the parliamentary session.

While clarifying that his initiative does not aim to abolish political funds altogether, Sonko stressed the need for robust control mechanisms. He drew parallels with systems already in place in mature democracies such as France. “We are not proposing to eliminate political funds, but they must be subject to rigorous oversight like in countries such as France,” he explained.

The Prime Minister underscored the importance of maintaining public trust in how state resources are managed. Referring specifically to funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s office, he disclosed the existence of “1.77 billion in political funds,” adding that “this debate goes beyond personalities.” According to him, Senegalese citizens expect these resources to be used neither as political spoils nor as tools for personal enrichment.

Emphasis on accountability and citizen trust

Sonko further reinforced his commitment to the principle of accountability in public financial governance. “No taxpayer money should escape scrutiny,” he asserted, advocating for a governance model centered on transparency and clear accountability mechanisms. He insisted that these reforms are essential to restore and maintain confidence in public institutions.

On the legislative front, the Prime Minister indicated his preference for an executive-led initiative. He revealed that consultations have taken place with the President following the announcement of a draft law by Deputy Guy Marius Sagna on this matter. Sonko announced his intention to submit a formal proposal to the Council of Ministers if ongoing discussions do not yield timely progress.