Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko addressed the critical issue of political funds, underscoring what he described as an electoral pledge made during the campaign and a long-standing discussion within his political faction. He also explicitly stated his divergence of opinion with the President of the Republic on this sensitive matter.

During an interview conducted on May 2nd at the Presidential Palace, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye had also weighed in on the subject of political funds. He had advocated for their continued existence, acknowledging their delicate nature concerning transparency. He asserted, “Political funds involve expenditures that cannot be detailed to the general public.” The head of state justified their necessity by citing requirements related to intelligence and national security, as well as obligations stemming from international solidarity and various internal state requests.

The Prime Minister declared, “Regarding political funds, this is an electoral commitment. I do not agree with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye; he has made a mistake. I dare to hope that he will correct course.” Reflecting on the genesis of this debate, he added, “Since 2019, we have raised this discussion about political funds. No one imposed it upon us; we judged that all funds must be transparent.”

Ousmane Sonko clarified that his position does not advocate for the outright abolition of these funds, but rather for a rigorous framework governing their utilization. He affirmed, “We have not said that we will eliminate political funds, but they must be controlled, similar to practices in countries like France.” Addressing his own financial management at the Primature, he stated, “I personally manage 1.77 billion in political funds at the Prime Minister’s office. Therefore, this debate is not personal, but the Senegalese people do not want these funds to become political spoils or a means for personal enrichment.”

The Prime Minister stressed the imperative for absolute transparency in the management of public finances. He further added, “These are matters of principle; no taxpayer fund should escape scrutiny.” Finally, he touched upon the ongoing legislative process surrounding this issue: “When I learned that Guy Marius Sagna intended to introduce a bill, I told the President that it would be a failure for the legislative branch to carry this law, given that it was a promise from the executive. I had informed him that I disagreed with his arguments, which were also aired on television. I will bring the proposed law before the Council of Ministers if his observation on this matter is delayed.”