In a rare public show of disagreement with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko openly challenged the government’s stance on political funds—a long-standing and contentious issue in the country’s governance.

The Prime Minister, who serves as a key figure in the ruling coalition, made it clear that while he supports maintaining these funds, they must undergo sweeping reforms to eliminate opacity and prevent misuse. Addressing lawmakers in Dakar, Sonko stated, «I disagree with the President on this matter. I believe he has made a mistake, and I remain hopeful he will reconsider his position.»

Ending the era of unchecked political spending

Sonko’s remarks come as he outlined the government’s commitment to transforming how political funds—often referred to as ‘caisse noire’ (slush funds)—are managed. He revealed that the Prime Minister’s Office alone holds 1.77 billion FCFA in such resources, emphasizing that these funds must never again serve as «a tool for electoral manipulation, personal enrichment, or unchecked spending by individuals without oversight.»

The Prime Minister proposed a radical shift toward transparency, drawing inspiration from France’s parliamentary oversight models. While acknowledging that some funds—particularly those linked to national security—cannot be disclosed publicly, he advocated for the creation of a restricted parliamentary commission to audit their allocation and ensure they are used as intended.

Digital payments and strict controls

To set an example, Sonko announced the immediate end of cash transactions for government funds. Moving forward, all disbursements will be processed through bank transfers or checks, a move aimed at curbing corruption and ensuring full traceability. «This is a matter of principle,» he declared, adding, «The funds will remain, and there’s no objection to increasing them—provided they are subject to rigorous control.»

The Prime Minister’s stance drew applause from lawmakers, signaling broad support for his reformist agenda. His public challenge to the President underscores growing tensions within the ruling coalition over transparency and accountability in governance.