Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently reiterated his firm intention to implement stricter oversight mechanisms for political funds, aiming to ensure greater accountability in their allocation and use. This stance notably diverges from the perspective held by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on this sensitive fiscal matter.
Addressing parliamentarians during a session dedicated to current affairs at the National Assembly, Sonko reminded the legislative body that enhancing the regulation of political funds has been a long-standing commitment of his party, Pastef.
The Prime Minister underscored that the objective is not to eliminate political funds entirely, but rather to establish robust control frameworks that guarantee the transparent deployment of public resources.
“Not a single franc belonging to the Senegalese people should be spent without proper scrutiny,” Sonko declared emphatically to the assembled lawmakers.
The leader of Pastef also disclosed that his own office, the Primature, manages political funds amounting to approximately 1.77 billion CFA francs, asserting that this discussion targets no specific individual.
However, Sonko acknowledged a difference of opinion with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The President had previously defended the necessity of maintaining these funds, citing their crucial role in covering sensitive expenditures related to national security, intelligence operations, and the state’s diplomatic engagements.
According to the Prime Minister, several Western nations already employ institutional control mechanisms for such resources. He specifically referenced France, where special funds are reportedly subject to oversight by a dedicated commission.
Finally, Ousmane Sonko revealed that he had discussed this issue with the Head of State following a parliamentary initiative spearheaded by Deputy Guy Marius Sagna, suggesting that a formal referral to Parliament could represent a political setback for the current administration.