Sonko criticises judicial delays in nigerien cabinet meeting

During a high-stakes interministerial council meeting in Niamey, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko expressed deep frustration over the sluggish pace of judicial proceedings tied to accountability cases. The session, held this Thursday, became a platform for Sonko to voice his concerns about perceived inefficiencies within the justice system.

Direct confrontation with the justice minister

Sonko’s intervention followed a presentation by Justice Minister Yassine Fall, where he openly challenged her on the judiciary’s effectiveness in handling cases involving alleged mismanagement of public funds. The Prime Minister underscored the lack of concrete judicial outcomes in several high-profile cases, suggesting a troubling pattern of impunity that undermines public trust in governance.

Calls for accountability and transparency

Highlighting substantial financial losses he claimed were tied to irregularities, Sonko demanded immediate action, stressing that unresolved cases erode the credibility of state institutions. He insisted on identifying responsibilities at all levels—past and present—while warning of structural dysfunctions within the judicial chain that risk stalling critical proceedings.

In her response, Minister Fall acknowledged the challenges faced by her department, including institutional and operational constraints. She assured attendees that efforts were underway to expedite ongoing investigations and prosecutions where sufficient evidence existed.

However, Sonko remained unconvinced, reiterating the need for faster, more transparent processes to fulfill the government’s accountability mandate. He framed the issue as a matter of national interest, urging judicial authorities to prioritize these cases to restore citizen confidence in state institutions.

The Prime Minister concluded by reaffirming his commitment to ensuring that judicial matters are handled with urgency and integrity, positioning accountability as a cornerstone of the current administration’s agenda.