Senegal’s PM Sonko challenges president over political funds management

In a bold move at the National Assembly on Friday, May 22, 2026, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko publicly contested the Head of State’s handling of political funds. Addressing lawmakers during the current affairs session, Sonko declared, « The president made a mistake in this matter », emphasizing his disagreement with the executive’s approach.

Speaking before deputies, the government leader stressed that the issue of political fund oversight has been a core demand of his political movement since 2014. « We first raised this issue in our 2019 manifesto, and it remains unresolved in 2024 », he noted. Sonko underscored that the administration had pledged to ensure no public funds would flow without proper monitoring mechanisms.

Clarifying his stance, the Prime Minister clarified that the debate does not center on abolishing these special funds entirely but rather on establishing a robust supervision system akin to France’s model. « We never called for their elimination—only for accountability », he stated. He dismissed speculation about redirecting these resources to the Prime Minister’s office, highlighting that his department already manages a fund exceeding one billion West African CFA francs.

The political funds controversy, according to Sonko, revolves around governance and public trust. « Many Senegalese suspect these funds fuel political patronage », he observed, reiterating that « every franc must be accounted for ».

N’Famoussa Siby contributed to this report.