Guy Marius Sagna, a prominent figure in the Pastef movement, has disclosed that Ousmane Sonko, while serving as Prime Minister, received 1.7 billion CFA francs in political funds. The funds were allegedly distributed without any regulatory framework, placing Sonko at the center of a growing controversy over financial transparency in Senegalese politics. According to Sagna, while the payments themselves may not constitute irregularities—since they align with existing legal provisions—their lack of institutional control mirrors practices associated with other high-ranking officials, including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who is reported to control over 8 billion CFA francs across various political and special funds.

Sagna’s disclosure highlights a stark contradiction between Sonko’s public advocacy for stricter regulation of political funds and his own receipt of substantial sums under the current system. The deputy has accused Sonko of what he terms a “breach of trust”, arguing that the Prime Minister-turned-opposition leader now faces scrutiny over his past financial dealings. “This is the kind of political sorcery we see from certain leaders,” Sagna remarked on social media, questioning the consistency of Sonko’s reformist rhetoric with his actions.