Ousmane Sonko Demands Explanation from Cheikh Diba over 3 Billion CFA Withdrawal

• Senegalese parliament president Ousmane Sonko demands explanation from Cheikh Diba over 3 billion CFA francs withdrawals.
• The withdrawals took place between March and April during the transition period, with the entire balance being withdrawn by Sonko's predecessor.
• Sonko advocates for increased parliamentary control over special funds attributed to the Presidency and Prime Minister.
• A joint audit of the resources of the Presidency and the Primature is recommended.

The existence of special funds at the Primature is based on a 2004 decree issued under Abdoulaye Wade's presidency.

Senegalese parliament president Ousmane Sonko has called for greater oversight of special funds attributed to the Presidency and Prime Minister. He does not advocate for their abolition, but rather increased parliamentary control over their use. According to Sonko, the Presidency had more than 7 billion CFA francs before the transition, with the entire balance being withdrawn by his predecessor. A similar situation exists at the Primature. The withdrawals of 3 billion CFA francs mentioned by Sonko took place between March and April during the transition period. After questioning the former director general involved, he was directed to Cheikh Diba, Minister of Economy, Finance and Planning. Sonko claims to have then contacted the minister without receiving justification for the destination or nature of the withdrawals.

The existence of special funds at the Primature is based on a 2004 decree issued under Abdoulaye Wade's presidency. Sonko has cited the 'Programme de gestion de la paix en Casamance' as an example of a device placed under the authority of the Prime Minister. He recommends a joint audit of the resources of the Presidency and the Primature. A second proposal for regulating special funds has been adopted by the Assembly's commission and is scheduled for a plenary vote on August 19, 2026, with the Prime Minister having seized the Constitutional Council regarding the proposal.

This development highlights concerns over the management of special funds attributed to the Presidency and Prime Minister in Senegal. Lawyers and compliance officers should note potential audits and scrutiny of these funds, as well as any new regulations or legislation governing their use. The situation underscores the need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of public resources.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential audits and scrutiny of special funds attributed to the Presidency and Prime Minister in Senegal, as well as any new regulations or legislation governing their use.

Source: Original reporting via pressafrik (Ousmane Sonko)