The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has reaffirmed his commitment to tightening oversight and transparency in the management of political funds. Speaking at a press conference, he emphasized that this initiative aligns with the promises made during his electoral campaign, while also acknowledging a divergence of views with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on the implementation approach.
The debate surrounding political funds gained momentum following an interview delivered by the President on May 2 at the Palais de la République. During the discussion, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye defended the necessity of these funds, citing their role in national security, intelligence operations, international solidarity initiatives, and the numerous demands placed on the state. However, he conceded that transparency remains a critical concern.
In addressing legislators, Ousmane Sonko reiterated that the issue of political funds has been a long-standing priority for his political coalition. “Since 2019, we have advocated for this transparency. It was not imposed upon us; we recognized that all public funds must be subject to strict accountability,” he stated. His remarks underscore a broader commitment to governance reforms aimed at restoring public trust in how financial resources are allocated and utilized.
The Prime Minister clarified that his proposal does not seek to eliminate political funds but rather to subject them to rigorous oversight mechanisms, drawing inspiration from practices in established democracies. “We are not advocating for the abolition of political funds, but for their regulation akin to what is observed in countries like France,” he explained. This approach, he argued, would ensure that such funds are not misused for personal enrichment or political favoritism.
Highlighting the importance of accountability, Sonko revealed that 1.77 billion CFA francs are allocated under the Prime Minister’s office for political funds. He stressed that this issue transcends personal or partisan interests, asserting that citizens expect these resources to be managed with integrity. “No taxpayer’s money should evade scrutiny,” he declared, calling for a governance model rooted in transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Regarding the legislative process, the Prime Minister indicated a preference for an executive-led reform. He disclosed that consultations with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye are underway, following a legislative proposal on the matter tabled by Deputy Guy Marius Sagna. Sonko announced his intention to submit a draft bill to the Council of Ministers if ongoing discussions fail to yield swift results, signaling a decisive step toward institutionalizing transparency in political financing.
