Senegal’s prime minister demands justice for unaccounted funds

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has sharply criticized the lack of judicial action in cases involving financial mismanagement, calling for urgent accountability during a high-level interministerial meeting on infrastructure.

The outspoken remarks came as Justice Minister Yassine Fall presented updates on structural deficiencies in the justice system and irregularities uncovered in public construction projects. Sonko, however, seized the moment to directly challenge her oversight role.

Sonko’s scathing rebuke

In a pointed exchange, Sonko questioned the minister’s handling of cases where billions of dollars in public funds were allegedly misused without consequences. ‘Madam Minister, what exactly is justice doing here?’ he asked. ‘At times, I have my doubts. I wonder: is all this effort truly necessary when no one is being held to account?’

With growing frustration, he emphasized the impunity enjoyed by officials, stating, ‘In this country, you can do whatever you want and walk away unscathed. The system remains untouched, people act with reckless abandon, billions are squandered, and yet—no legal repercussions.’

Sonko underscored the government’s mandate to identify those responsible, stressing that their credibility hinges on delivering tangible results. ‘If we continue like this, it’s meaningless. We shouldn’t keep asking Senegalese citizens to pour their hard-earned money into rebuilding the same infrastructure while those who embezzled billions roam free,’ he declared.

Demanding transparency and action

The Prime Minister went further, questioning the very integrity of the justice system. ‘If the judiciary itself is compromised, Madam Minister, what are you doing with these cases?’ he pressed, highlighting the absence of prosecutions despite widespread scandals.

Sonko insisted on a clear, logical approach to ensure public trust, calling for each case to be publicly documented and addressed. ‘These files don’t belong to any magistrate, no matter their rank. They belong to all Senegalese,’ he asserted, warning of an impending escalation in tone if accountability isn’t enforced.

Minister Fall’s response

In reply, Yassine Fall acknowledged the structural challenges but reassured Sonko that her team is actively pursuing accountability. ‘Our entire ministry is committed to ensuring that those at fault face consequences,’ she stated. ‘We are making progress, and with divine favor, we will deliver results that satisfy the Senegalese people.’

Sonko, however, remained unconvinced. While supporting efforts to build new prison facilities through renegotiations, he stressed that accountability must extend to all public officials—past and present. ‘Responsibility must be clearly established, and sanctions must follow,’ he insisted, even suggesting ‘judicial sabotage’ as a possible obstacle.

Concluding his remarks, he reiterated the need for transparency, declaring, ‘We will raise our voices because these cases belong to the people, not to magistrates, the Prime Minister, or the President.’