Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presided over an interministerial council yesterday, focusing on state infrastructure and patrimony. During this critical meeting, he presented the audit findings concerning numerous public projects and strategic assets. Addressing government members, the head of the executive painted a deeply troubling picture of infrastructure and public land management in Senegal. He cited unfinished projects, unexploited equipment, and state-owned properties allegedly transferred under questionable conditions. Furthermore, he voiced his profound dissatisfaction with the judicial handling of certain cases related to the management of public resources, a key concern for governance Africa.

During the session, Ousmane Sonko detailed that the inventory conducted by the Prime Minister’s services identified 245 infrastructure projects and strategic assets across the nation that are currently either blocked, unfinished, or under-exploited. The collective cost of these projects, according to the presented data, surpasses 5,000 billion FCfa. The Prime Minister emphasized that this staggering sum is nearly equivalent to Senegal’s entire annual budget. He highlighted various types of infrastructure affected, including roads, hospitals, ports, stadiums, high schools, administrative buildings, and refrigeration facilities, underscoring the widespread impact on society Africa.

Challenges revealed by the Senegal infrastructure audit

Commenting on the immense financial commitments, the head of government stated that the audit report’s revelations were “beyond comprehension.” He expressed his shock at the level of resources immobilized in infrastructure projects, some of which have remained unused for several years. He noted that some observers even equate this amount to the nation’s public debt, highlighting the severity of the financial mismanagement uncovered by the Senegal infrastructure audit.

The audit presented at the Prime Minister’s office also uncovered 30 projects that are fully completed but have yet to be commissioned. Among these, 25 face what are described as major blockages, representing a financial immobilization of 279 billion FCfa. The Prime Minister specifically mentioned the Port of Dakhonga, along with several fishing quays and cold storage facilities, which he asserted received significant investments but have failed to deliver the anticipated benefits to the populace.

Moreover, the report addressed the status of ongoing construction projects. According to the figures released, 62 out of 94 infrastructures currently under construction are virtually at a standstill. The financial volume committed to these projects is estimated at over 5,227 billion FCfa. Ousmane Sonko particularly highlighted the case of the Sandiara high school, noting that construction began in 2014 and remains unfinished. The Prime Minister condemned this protracted timeline as incompatible with the requirements for delivering educational infrastructure.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the interministerial council also scrutinized the state’s land and real estate patrimony. Data presented indicated 97 properties, primarily located in the Dakar region, with an estimated value of 132 billion FCfa. Ousmane Sonko contended that several strategic state-owned lands were allegedly transferred under the previous administration without adhering to required procedures or obtaining parliamentary authorization when necessary.

He cited the example of the former gendarmerie headquarters site, which he claimed was ceded to a private operator before being reclaimed by the state. The Prime Minister further stated that some land parcels, valued between 10 and 15 billion FCfa, were purportedly sold for less than one billion FCfa. The government has since reported the recovery of several assets deemed to have been improperly removed from the national patrimony.

The judicial aspect of these dossiers formed another central point of discussion. Addressing Justice Minister Yassine Fall, Ousmane Sonko publicly expressed his bewilderment at the apparent lack of prosecutions in cases linked to these significant financial losses. He articulated doubts about the effectiveness of the accountability process, stating that he sometimes questions “if it’s worth continuing.” This reflects a broader concern within African politics regarding transparency and justice.

The Prime Minister then asserted that “the system is intact,” suggesting that some officials implicated in the management of public funds continue to evade judicial scrutiny. He argued that it is challenging to ask citizens for sacrifices when alleged perpetrators of embezzlement or mismanagement are not being prosecuted. In a highly critical tone, he alluded to what he termed “judicial sabotage,” implicitly accusing certain magistrates of delaying the examination of sensitive cases. He reiterated his view that “the dossiers do not belong to the magistrates” but “to the Senegalese people,” hinting that he might “raise the tone” in the coming days.

In response to these criticisms, Justice Minister Yassine Fall affirmed that those found culpable would be held accountable for their actions. However, her assurance did not entirely dispel the Prime Minister’s reservations, who underscored the imperative to accelerate procedures and clarify responsibilities.

Establishment of a monitoring committee for robust governance Africa

To ensure the implementation of decisions, Ousmane Sonko announced the immediate creation of a monitoring committee, directly under the authority of the Prime Minister’s office and which he will personally chair. This body will be tasked with continuing the inventory of blocked projects, identifying those responsible, and facilitating the search for financing solutions. The government also plans to revalue certain public assets through public-private partnerships or to leverage these assets as financial instruments via the Fonsis, promoting stronger governance Africa.

At the conclusion of the interministerial council, the Prime Minister issued eleven directives aimed at addressing the financial, legal, and technical blockages identified. Among these measures are two definitive orientations. The first mandates the Minister, Secretary-General of the Government, in coordination with the Minister of Infrastructure, sectoral ministries, and relevant stakeholders, to continue the inventory to establish a comprehensive list of projects and infrastructures to be commissioned, completed, or repurposed and valorized. The second provides for the establishment of an inclusive committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, responsible for continuing the inventory work and ensuring the execution of the agreed-upon diligences.

The remaining directives primarily focus on the planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Ousmane Sonko instructed all ministers to ensure better consideration of technical aspects, including connections to water, electricity, and telecommunication networks, as well as adequate equipping of infrastructure. He also emphasized the necessity of defining sustainable operational, management, and maintenance models to guarantee the longevity of public investments.