Sonko questions justice system amid stalled Senegal projects

In a heated interministerial meeting held in Dakar on May 21, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko delivered a scathing assessment of the nation’s public infrastructure challenges and the lingering influence of the previous administration. The gathering, which brought together key government officials, was marked by sharp criticism of the Macky Sall era’s management of state resources.

During the session, Sonko reviewed a comprehensive audit report on public assets and infrastructure, revealing staggering inefficiencies. A total of 245 projects—including critical roads, hospitals, and educational facilities—remain stalled, incomplete, or severely underutilized. The estimated financial loss from these failures exceeds 5,000 billion FCFA, nearly matching Senegal’s annual national budget. «Some figures are so shocking they rival our national debt,» Sonko remarked, condemning what he termed «sheer wastefulness» in public spending.

Highlighting the severity of the situation, he noted that 62 of the 94 active construction sites across the country have ground to a halt, consuming over 5,227 billion FCFA in allocated funds. The case of the Sandiara High School, a project initiated in 2014 that remains unfinished, drew particular outrage. «Twelve years to build a single school? This is nothing short of absurd,» Sonko declared, his frustration palpable.

Sonko’s call for accountability amid judicial concerns

The Prime Minister reserved his harshest words for the justice system, accusing it of shielding elites from the previous regime accused of embezzling public funds. «At times, I question whether this fight is worth it,» he admitted. «In this country, you can commit any crime and walk free. The system remains untouched.»

Sonko alleged the existence of «judicial sabotage,» suggesting certain magistrates were deliberately obstructing investigations into corruption cases. «These cases belong to the people, not the courts,» he asserted, warning of a potential escalation in his approach in the coming weeks.