Yankhoba Diémé defends special funds as institutional tools

Senegalese Minister of Armed Forces Yankhoba Diémé has defended the use of special funds, describing them as an essential institutional mechanism rather than discretionary resources. During a visit to religious and customary leaders in Oussouye and Ziguinchor, Diémé argued that these funds serve to support social regulators, such as imams and traditional authorities, who help maintain national stability and social cohesion.

Diémé addressed the controversy surrounding the confidentiality of these funds, stating that legal requirements mandate discretion when public officials provide support to religious or customary leaders. He also addressed the legal framework of the funds, arguing that their management falls under regulatory decrees rather than legislative law.

In addition to discussing the funds, the Minister's tour in the Casamance region included discussions on regional infrastructure projects, such as the second bridge in Ziguinchor and the road connecting Ziguinchor to Cap Skirring.