Senegal politics: SOGEPA chief challenges claims about political funds

Elimane Pouye questions the narrative about Ousmane Sonko’s political funding

The Managing Director of Senegal’s State Property Management and Exploitation Company (SOGEPA), Elimane Pouye, has publicly contested the claim that former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was the sole beneficiary of political funds during his tenure. In a detailed analysis published today, he argues that such assertions lack factual basis and ignore the broader context of budgetary allocations under previous administrations.

Pouye emphasizes that the debate over political funds should not be reduced to a discussion about Sonko alone. He points out that the issue requires careful examination, particularly given the absence of evidence supporting the idea that he was uniquely advantaged. According to Pouye, the question should instead focus on how these funds have been utilized across administrations, rather than singling out one individual.

Budgetary allocations under scrutiny

In his statement, Pouye highlights that the budgets for the Prime Minister’s Office between 2023 and 2025 reveal a consistent structure in the allocation of political funds. He notes that any variations observed were primarily due to institutional changes, such as the transfer of certain services, rather than differences in funding for political activities.

The SOGEPA chief underscores what he considers the real novelty in this debate: Sonko’s public acknowledgment of the existence of political funds within the Prime Minister’s budget, along with details about their allocation and intended use. This, Pouye argues, raises a critical question: If these funds existed in previous budgets, how were they used by former Prime Ministers, and for what purposes?

He contends that the focus should shift from speculative discussions about daily allocations or their frequency to a broader conversation about transparency in the management of public resources. For Pouye, such debates must be grounded in verifiable facts rather than political insinuations.

Calls for a transparent and constructive dialogue

Pouye also stresses the importance of a democratic and evidence-based discussion on the use of political funds. He acknowledges that both the parliamentary majority and the Head of State have weighed in on the matter, and urges all stakeholders to engage in a constructive exchange of arguments. Such a dialogue, he believes, is essential for strengthening Senegal’s democratic institutions and the rule of law.

In concluding, Pouye defends the vibrancy of Senegal’s institutional debates while cautioning against attempts by certain political actors to revive old divisions. He warns that diverting the conversation from its core issues risks undermining the transparency and accountability that should guide public discourse.