Special funds controversy: Sonko’s tenure under scrutiny

Former minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye makes explosive claim about special funds

In a revealing television appearance, former Senegalese minister Aly Ngouille Ndiaye dropped a bombshell about the country’s fonds spéciaux during Ousmane Sonko‘s time as prime minister. According to Ndiaye, Sonko was not just the first to access these controversial funds but also the only one to deplete them entirely during his tenure.

The revelation comes as Ndiaye addressed claims surrounding the allocation and usage of these special resources. “Only Ousmane Sonko received these funds as prime minister,” he declared. “I was never prime minister myself, but among the living former prime ministers listening today, only former minister Boun Abdallah Dioné—may he rest in peace—never had access to such funds.“

How much was allocated and how quickly was it spent?

Ndiaye went further to break down the figures. “Some say the funds are allocated quarterly, others annually. If it were annual, Sonko would have received around 8 billion FCFA,” he explained. “The first tranche of 1.7 billion FCFA was completely exhausted. If these were annual allocations depleted in just three months, that raises serious questions. This strongly suggests the funds were not allocated annually.”

He added a critical observation: “If the money was used up and the next prime minister found nothing left, it means the previous one consumed all the resources.”

Calls for transparency and parliamentary scrutiny

Ndiaye didn’t stop at the financial claims. He also weighed in on the ongoing debate around parliamentary inquiry commissions. “It’s true such commissions can be problematic,” he admitted. “But if I were in Sonko’s position, the first thing I’d do is clarify how the 1.7 billion FCFA was used. These commissions should investigate fund usage and explain how the money was spent.”

He concluded with a sharp critique of political inconsistency: “They often claim they won’t use institutions, but actions speak louder than words. This situation proves the gap between their words and deeds.”