Senegal political debate intensifies over Prime Minister's special funds

A political controversy is unfolding in Senegal regarding the use of special funds by the Prime Minister’s office. The debate was sparked by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s disclosure that the Primature has access to 1.77 billion CFA francs in special funds.

Former Interior Minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye claimed that Sonko is the first Prime Minister to benefit from such funds. However, this assertion has been contested by several figures. Maimouna Bousso, a deputy for Pastef, argued that these credits are part of a standard budget line allocated by the President and the Ministry of Finance, rather than a unique mechanism created for Sonko. She emphasized the need for transparency and parliamentary control.

Former Prime Minister Souleymane Ndéné Ndiaye challenged the timeline of these funds, stating he had access to similar political resources as far back as his time as Chief of Staff under Abdoulaye Wade. Meanwhile, Souleymane Jules Diop defended Ndiaye’s position, suggesting a distinction between “political funds” and other administrative resources like “aid and relief” funds, which are subject to specific oversight and controls.