SOGEPA Chief Denies Exclusivity of Ousmane Sonko in Political Funds
The Managing Director of the State Property Management and Exploitation Company (SOGEPA), Elimane Pouye, has firmly rejected the assertion that former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko is the sole beneficiary of political funds in Senegal. In a detailed opinion piece, he argues that such claims lack factual basis and urges a more nuanced examination of the issue.
Budgetary Transparency Takes Center Stage
Elimane Pouye emphasizes that the debate surrounding political funds should focus on verifiable data rather than political rhetoric. He notes that the budgets of the Prime Minister’s office for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 reveal a consistent allocation structure, with differences largely attributed to administrative reorganizations rather than irregularities.
“The real novelty here is not the existence of these funds,” Pouye states, “but the public acknowledgment of their presence and the disclosure of their general usage by a former Prime Minister.”
Calling for Evidence-Based Discussions
He stresses the importance of grounding political debates in facts, warning against accusations that lack supporting evidence. Pouye highlights that all former Prime Ministers likely had access to similar resources, raising questions about their utilization that remain unaddressed.
“Instead of fixating on the timing or amount of allocations,” he argues, “we should focus on how these funds were managed and whether they served the public interest.”
Democracy Thrives on Constructive Debate
The SOGEPA Director General underscores that democratic progress depends on transparent and evidence-based discussions. He welcomes the positions taken by both the parliamentary majority and the Head of State, encouraging a structured dialogue to clarify the role of political funds in Senegal’s governance.
Pouye concludes by advocating for a debate that avoids rehashing old divisions and instead addresses the core issues at hand, reinforcing the vitality of Senegal’s institutional discourse.