Kiiraay: Accuses Sonko of Compte Jamm Détournement, 3.7 Billion CFA

• The Kiiraay movement is demanding a full accounting for the use of the Compte Jamm, a fund for peace in Casamance.
• Kiiraay accuses Ousmane Sonko, now President of the National Assembly, of mobilizing 3.7 billion CFA francs from the fund between 2025 and 2026 without adequate justification.
• The movement highlights specific expenditures, including vehicle purchases and the renovation of a Primature administrative building, as inconsistent with the fund's peace objectives.
• The Compte Jamm, established by a 2004 decree, finances peace initiatives in Casamance under the authority of the Primature.
• Kiiraay criticizes what it perceives as inconsistent transparency from the ruling majority, especially concerning the Compte Jamm, while advocating for broader accountability in public finance.

The movement insists that accountability must apply universally, 'to all, without exception, without privilege and without selectivity,' reflecting the long-standing hopes of the Casamance population for lasting peace.

The Kiiraay – Les Patriotes Républicains movement has publicly called for a comprehensive accounting of the funds allocated to the Compte Jamm, a special financial mechanism dedicated to peace initiatives in Casamance. The group specifically alleges that President of the National Assembly Ousmane Sonko oversaw the mobilization of 3.7 billion CFA francs from this fund between 2025 and 2026, asserting that these expenditures lack proper justification.

Kiiraay contends that the explanations provided by the head of government regarding these disbursements remain vague. Among the specific outlays questioned by the movement are the acquisition of vehicles and the renovation of an administrative building belonging to the Primature. According to Kiiraay, these particular expenses appear to diverge significantly from the stated objective of consolidating peace within the Casamance region. The disputed credits are reportedly divided, with 2 billion CFA francs allocated in 2025 and an additional 1.7 billion CFA francs in 2026.

The Compte Jamm, also known as the Fonds Jamm, was formally established through a decree in 2004. Its primary purpose is to finance a peace program in Casamance, operating under the direct authority of the Primature. Ousmane Sonko has previously defended the legality of this special fund, emphasizing its distinct nature from presidential funds and its foundation in a decree signed during the tenure of former President Abdoulaye Wade.

This is not the first instance of scrutiny regarding the fund. On August 18, coordinator Aminata Touré had already raised questions with Ousmane Sonko concerning the Fonds Jamm. Furthermore, in 2026, Abdoulaye Gallo Diao, who resigned from the Parti socialiste in April 2025, voiced concerns about a potential deviation from the fund's intended purpose, even suggesting a referral to the High Court. Diao specifically reported that funds were allegedly used for vehicle purchases totaling 940 million CFA francs and for the renovation of the Prime Minister's offices.

The Kiiraay movement links its current demands for accountability directly to the long-held expectations of the Casamance populations, who have endured decades of conflict. The movement insists that accountability must apply universally, 'to all, without exception, without privilege and without selectivity,' reflecting the long-standing hopes of the Casamance population for lasting peace.

Kiiraay has also criticized what it perceives as an inconsistent application of transparency by the ruling majority, describing it as 'variable geometry.' The movement points to the Constitutional Council's decision to deem inadmissible a bill passed by the National Assembly aimed at regulating political funds allocated to the presidency. In Kiiraay's view, this highlights an incoherence within Pastef, the party it accuses of championing transparency while simultaneously sidestepping questions surrounding the Compte Jamm and its expenditures.

Lawyers and compliance officers in Senegal should monitor this development closely, as it signifies heightened scrutiny over public fund management and transparency, particularly concerning high-profile government officials. This could lead to potential investigations, legal challenges, or calls for legislative reforms regarding the oversight and accountability of special funds like the Compte Jamm.

Source: Reporting based on information from dakaractu.