Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has provided a clear roadmap for the government’s approach to the sensitive issue of political funds, openly expressing a difference in perspective from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
During a public address, the head of government stated that he disagreed with the President on this specific matter, suggesting that a mistake was made and expressing hope for a shift in the President’s stance. He clarified that the coalition’s promise was never the total abolition of these resources, but rather the elimination of “fictitious coffers” that allowed public money to be used without any form of accountability.
A new era of accountability for state resources
Ousmane Sonko revealed that the Primature currently manages 1.77 billion FCFA in political funds. He emphasized that these assets must no longer serve as an electoral tool to recruit political supporters or as a means for personal gain.
To address the historical lack of clarity, the Prime Minister is calling for a structural overhaul based on transparency and legislative oversight, drawing parallels with the French system. While acknowledging that certain budgets, particularly those related to national defense, cannot be made public, he proposed the creation of a specialized parliamentary commission. This group of deputies would be responsible for verifying that allocated sums are used for their intended purposes.
Leading by example, Ousmane Sonko explained that he has already moved away from cash transactions, opting instead for electronic transfers and checks to manage the funds under his control. “This is a matter of principle,” he noted, adding that while he supports maintaining or even increasing these funds, rigorous oversight is non-negotiable.
