Senegal’s Sonko warns of stalled projects worth over 5 000 billion FCFA
The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has raised the alarm over a damning audit of state infrastructures and assets, revealing a staggering 5 000 billion FCFA locked in stalled projects across the country. During a high-level inter-ministerial meeting, he outlined concerns over opaque management, incomplete works, and underutilized facilities that threaten both economic stability and social progress.
Audit exposes systemic failures in Senegal’s infrastructure management
The Prime Minister’s report identified 245 stalled or abandoned projects, including roads, hospitals, ports, and educational facilities, with a combined cost nearly matching the nation’s annual budget. Sonko described the findings as ‘beyond comprehension,’ highlighting projects that have remained idle for years despite substantial investments. Among the most glaring cases are 30 completed but non-operational facilities, including the Dakhonga Port and fishing quays, which drain resources without delivering public benefits.
Frozen funds and unresolved judicial gaps
Of the 94 ongoing projects, 62 are effectively stalled, with over 5 227 billion FCFA at risk. Sonko singled out the Sandiara high school, initiated in 2014, as emblematic of delays in critical sectors. The audit also revealed 97 state-owned properties worth 132 billion FCFA, some allegedly privatized under questionable conditions during previous administrations. Sonko cited examples of prime land sold for as little as 1 billion FCFA despite valuations between 10 and 15 billion FCFA.
The Prime Minister voiced frustration over the lack of judicial follow-up, questioning whether accountability mechanisms are functioning. ‘It feels like the system remains untouched,’ he stated, pointing to alleged ‘judicial sabotage’ and calling for accelerated prosecutions of public fund mismanagement cases. His remarks targeted the Justice Minister, Yassine Fall, whom he urged to prioritize these dossiers.
Government unveils urgent action plan
In response, Sonko announced the creation of a high-level monitoring committee under his direct supervision to oversee project recoveries, financial solutions, and asset valorization through public-private partnerships. Eleven directives were issued, including a complete re-inventory of projects, stricter technical oversight, and sustainable maintenance frameworks to ensure long-term viability of public investments.
The government aims to unlock trapped funds by leveraging state assets, such as those managed by the Fonsis, and imposing tighter deadlines for project completion. Sonko stressed the need for transparent processes, warning that citizens’ sacrifices cannot be justified while systemic inefficiencies persist.
