Sonko challenges president on political funds transparency

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has publicly challenged President Bassirou Diomaye Faye over the management of political funds, a longstanding debate that resurfaced in 2019. While advocating for stricter transparency measures, Sonko maintains that these funds must remain in place, creating friction within the government.

Disagreement over political funds management

During a May 2 press briefing at the Presidential Palace, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the existence of political funds, acknowledging their sensitivity regarding transparency. He stated, « Political funds cover expenses that cannot be itemized for public scrutiny, » citing intelligence, security needs, international solidarity obligations, and domestic state requirements as justification.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko countered with a firm stance: « Political funds were an electoral promise. I strongly disagree with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye—he made a mistake. I trust he will correct his position. » Sonko traced the origins of the debate back to 2019, emphasizing that his camp initiated discussions on the need for full transparency in all public funds.

Call for strict oversight, not elimination

Sonko clarified that his objective isn’t to abolish political funds but to impose rigorous controls on their use. « We’re not calling for their elimination, but their management must mirror systems in countries like France, » he asserted. Highlighting his own role in the Prime Minister’s office, he revealed managing 1.77 billion FCFA in political funds, stressing that these resources must never serve personal enrichment or political looting.

« Every public fund must be subject to scrutiny—this is a matter of principle, » Sonko declared. He also addressed an ongoing legislative process on the issue, stating, « When I learned Guy Marius Sagna was preparing a bill, I advised the president it would be counterproductive for the legislature to take the lead on a law that the executive had already pledged to draft. I’ve already expressed my disagreement with his televised remarks and will move forward with the proposal in the Council of Ministers if delays persist. »