Senegal’s political funds debate: SOGEPA chief challenges claims on Ousmane Sonko

Elimane Pouye Rejects Claims About Ousmane Sonko’s Political Funds

Elimane Pouye, the Director General of Senegal’s State Property Management and Exploitation Company (SOGEPA), has firmly disputed assertions that former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko was the sole beneficiary of political funds. In a detailed op-ed addressing the ongoing debate over public fund allocations, Pouye argues that such claims lack verifiable evidence and oversimplify a complex issue.

Budgetary Consistency Across Prime Ministerial Terms

Pouye emphasizes that Ousmane Sonko is not the first or only high-ranking official to have accessed state resources during his tenure. He points to the consistent budgetary framework of the Prime Minister’s Office across 2023, 2024, and 2025, noting that observed variations stem primarily from institutional reorganizations rather than fundamental changes in fund allocation methods.

The SOGEPA chief highlights what he describes as the real novelty in this debate: Ousmane Sonko’s public acknowledgment of the existence of political funds within the Prime Minister’s budget, along with the disclosure of their approximate amounts and general use. This transparency, Pouye argues, should shift the discourse from speculative claims to evidence-based discussions.

Transparency Over Speculation

Beyond the controversy surrounding daily allocations or periodic disbursements, Pouye raises a critical question: How extensively—and for what purposes—did previous Prime Ministers utilize these funds? He contends that this inquiry holds more weight than debates fixated on procedural details. The SOGEPA Director advocates for a democratic dialogue grounded in verified facts rather than insinuations, asserting that such a framework strengthens accountability and democratic governance.

In his op-ed, Pouye also acknowledges the official positions of both the Senegalese Parliament and the President on this matter. He calls for a structured, contradictory exchange among stakeholders to foster constructive progress in addressing public fund transparency—a cornerstone of Senegal’s institutional vitality.

Defending Democratic Discourse

The article concludes with a defense of Senegal’s dynamic political debate, warning against attempts by certain actors to exploit historical divisions or divert attention from the core issue: the responsible and transparent management of public resources.