Senegal’s political funds controversy under scrutiny after Sonko’s tenure

Allegations of financial mismanagement within Senegal’s political funds have resurfaced, this time centering on the outgoing Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Political commentator Badara Gadiaga has accused Sonko of what he describes as ‘vampirism’ in the handling of discretionary funds allocated to the Prime Minister’s Office. According to Gadiaga, out of an initial envelope of 1.77 billion CFA francs, only around 70 million remained for Sonko’s successor—a revelation that has reignited debates over the transparency of these opaque financial mechanisms.

Direct accusations against the Prime Minister’s Office

The funds in question, distinct from conventional budgetary allocations, are earmarked for sovereign expenditures and discretionary actions by the Prime Minister. Traditionally, these resources bypass standard parliamentary oversight, creating fertile ground for suspicions of partisan manipulation. By explicitly targeting Ousmane Sonko, a key figure in the ruling coalition and leader of the Pastef party, Gadiaga’s critique strikes at the heart of the executive structure that emerged from the March 2024 political transition.

The stark disparity between the initial 1.77 billion CFA francs and the reported residual balance of 70 million has intensified scrutiny. The figures suggest a significant portion of the funds was mobilized before the handover, raising questions about whether the spending adhered to the austerity principles championed by the new administration. However, these claims remain unverified, as no public accounting documents have been released to substantiate them.

Transparency in public funds: a long-standing demand

This controversy is not isolated. For years, Senegalese civil society and parts of the political class have called for stricter regulation of political and special funds, advocating for transparency measures akin to those implemented in other West African democracies. The issue ties into a broader discussion on accountability and the curbing of extra-budgetary expenditures—a theme prominently featured in the presidential campaign rhetoric of Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko.

While the Court of Auditors is the sole institution empowered to scrutinize these financial flows in depth, its reports rarely delve into the granular details of the Prime Minister’s allocations. If the alleged discrepancy were confirmed, it would not only challenge the coherence between the government’s reformist discourse and its actual practices but also prompt inquiries into the internal oversight mechanisms during the transition period.

A politically charged debate amid shifting alliances

The timing of Gadiaga’s remarks adds weight to the controversy. Since the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Dakar’s political landscape has been in flux, with every public statement scrutinized for its implications. Internal tensions within the ruling coalition and the opposition’s efforts to regain momentum have amplified the intensity of discussions surrounding financial governance. The debate further fuels the political trial against Ousmane Sonko, with critics accusing him of consolidating significant resources in the final months of his tenure.

As of now, the Prime Minister’s Office has not issued an official response. Allies of the former Prime Minister may point to expenditures related to political and administrative preparations, as well as routine cabinet operations. Without detailed financial disclosures, the debate risks degenerating into a war of narratives, devoid of documented resolution. The call for an independent audit, already echoed by several voices, could gain traction if the controversy persists.

By Claire Mvondo — Security and State Policy Expert