A new chapter has unfolded in the ongoing debate surrounding the reform of special credits. Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, Minister of Petroleum and Deputy General Supervisor of the KIIRAAY / Les Patriotes Républicains coalition, has sharply criticized the National Assembly’s proposed legislation concerning these funds. He directly accused the parliamentary majority and its president, Ousmane Sonko, of employing « double language » when addressing religious communities.

According to Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf, Ousmane Sonko’s recent tour of religious cities clashes fundamentally with the precise wording of the legislative text currently before Parliament. He stressed, « The provisions he advocates for at the National Assembly are entirely disconnected from the narrative he shared with our spiritual guides, » labeling this discrepancy a « deep moral problem. » The Minister specifically referenced Article 2 of the parliamentary proposal, which restricts special credits « exclusively » to defense, security, and intelligence, alongside Article 5, which explicitly bars social welfare expenditures. He characterized this wording as « anti-social and anti-religious credits, » arguing it effectively shuts off avenues for support to vulnerable populations.

In stark contrast, Dr. Diouf commended the Executive’s proposed amendments, which seek to reintroduce « the preservation of social order » and uphold « humanitarian, mutual assistance, and solidarity values. » His conclusion was unequivocal: « Where the Assembly opts for exclusion, the Executive champions inclusion. » Finally, Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf criticized Ousmane Sonko for having freely utilized political funds during his tenure as Prime Minister, urging him to fully acknowledge the implications of his current legislative text: « Own your discrimination against our religious communities in the allocation of political funds! The Republic! Nothing but the Republic! »