Senegal prime minister pushes for stricter oversight of political funds

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko advocates for tighter oversight of political funds

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has reiterated his commitment to strengthening controls over political funds to ensure greater transparency in their use. His stance contrasts with that of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has previously defended the retention of these funds.

During a parliamentary session addressing current issues, Ousmane Sonko emphasized that regulating political funds has long been a core commitment of the Pastef party. He clarified that the goal is not to abolish these funds but to implement robust oversight mechanisms to ensure public resources are used transparently.

“Not a single franc from the Senegalese people should be spent without proper oversight,” Ousmane Sonko declared to lawmakers.

He also disclosed that he personally manages political funds at the Prime Minister’s office, amounting to approximately 1.77 billion CFA francs. Sonko stressed that this debate is not directed against any individual but aims to foster accountability in governance.

The Prime Minister acknowledged differences with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has justified maintaining these funds by citing sensitive expenditures such as national security, intelligence, and diplomatic commitments.

Ousmane Sonko pointed out that several Western countries, including France, have institutional oversight mechanisms for these resources, where special funds are monitored by dedicated commissions.

He also mentioned engaging in discussions with the Head of State following a parliamentary initiative led by Deputy Guy Marius Sagna on this matter. Sonko argued that a parliamentary referral could pose a political setback for the administration.