Special funds – Ousmane Sonko first to benefit as sénégalais pm

Special Funds Controversy: Sonko’s Unique Position as First PM to Access Them

In a televised appearance, former minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye made a striking revelation: Ousmane Sonko became the first Senegalese Prime Minister to gain access to the special funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s office. This unprecedented move has sparked intense debate about transparency and the use of public resources in governance.

“He was the first Prime Minister to receive these funds,” Ndiaye declared. “I was never Prime Minister, but several former Prime Ministers who are still alive—all except Boun Abdallah Dioné, who has since passed away—confirm they never had access to such funds. It all began with Sonko.” He further noted that Amadou Ba, who served briefly before being replaced by Sidiki Kaba, did not benefit from these funds either. “Sidiki Kaba’s tenure was too short to access them,” Ndiaye emphasized.

Breakdown of Funds: How Much Was Spent and When?

Ndiaye went on to dissect the figures, questioning whether the funds were disbursed quarterly or annually. “Some claim it was quarterly, others annually. If annual, Sonko would have received around 8 billion FCFA. However, the initial 1.7 billion FCFA were exhausted quickly—so quickly that it suggests they were not distributed annually,” he explained. “If the funds were fully utilized and his successor found nothing, it implies Sonko himself consumed these resources.”

Calls for Transparency: Why Ousmane Sonko Should Account for the Funds

Ndiaye didn’t stop there. He insisted that Sonko should clarify how the 1.7 billion FCFA were spent, suggesting parliamentary inquiry commissions could investigate. “If I were in his position, the first thing I’d do is explain how these funds were used. The commissions should examine their allocation and consumption,” he argued. “This would set a strong example of accountability. They often claim they won’t misuse institutions, but actions speak louder than words.”