During an inter-ministerial council held on Thursday, May 21, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko openly conveyed his profound indignation regarding the handling of various government files. He reiterated serious accusations against the previous administration of Macky Sall, alleging extensive prevarication and widespread mismanagement of public resources.
Following the presentation of an audit detailing public assets and infrastructure, Sonko declared that “the facts defy comprehension.” The inventory, compiled by the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that 245 infrastructure projects and strategic assets across the nation are currently stalled, incomplete, or underutilized. The total financial implication for these issues reportedly surpasses 5,000 billion FCFA, a sum comparable to Senegal’s entire annual budget. The head of government lamented this situation as “pure and simple waste,” noting that some even believe this figure rivals the country’s public debt.
A further alarming discovery highlighted that out of 94 ongoing construction sites nationwide, 62 have come to a virtual standstill. These particular projects represent an expenditure exceeding 5,227 billion FCFA. Prime Minister Sonko expressed particular dismay and “shock” over the Sandiara high school project, which commenced in 2014 but remains unfinished to this day. He condemned the situation, exclaiming, “Twelve years to build a high school. It’s an absurdity!”
Prime Minister Sonko’s stance on accountability
The Prime Minister also seized the opportunity to critique the judiciary, alleging that it shields “barons” from the former administration and individuals suspected of embezzling public funds.
“Sometimes, I harbor doubts,” Ousmane Sonko confessed, questioning whether continuing the fight is worthwhile. He asserted, “In this nation, you can commit any act and remain well-protected. The system remains intact.” He went further, suggesting the presence of alleged “judicial sabotage” involving certain magistrates. Sonko emphasized that “these files belong not to the magistrates, but to the people,” before indicating his intent to “raise the stakes” in the coming weeks.
Following the presentation of an audit detailing public assets and infrastructure, Sonko declared that “the facts defy comprehension.” The inventory, compiled by the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that 245 infrastructure projects and strategic assets across the nation are currently stalled, incomplete, or underutilized. The total financial implication for these issues reportedly surpasses 5,000 billion FCFA, a sum comparable to Senegal’s entire annual budget. The head of government lamented this situation as “pure and simple waste,” noting that some even believe this figure rivals the country’s public debt.
A further alarming discovery highlighted that out of 94 ongoing construction sites nationwide, 62 have come to a virtual standstill. These particular projects represent an expenditure exceeding 5,227 billion FCFA. Prime Minister Sonko expressed particular dismay and “shock” over the Sandiara high school project, which commenced in 2014 but remains unfinished to this day. He condemned the situation, exclaiming, “Twelve years to build a high school. It’s an absurdity!”
Prime Minister Sonko’s stance on accountability
The Prime Minister also seized the opportunity to critique the judiciary, alleging that it shields “barons” from the former administration and individuals suspected of embezzling public funds.
“Sometimes, I harbor doubts,” Ousmane Sonko confessed, questioning whether continuing the fight is worthwhile. He asserted, “In this nation, you can commit any act and remain well-protected. The system remains intact.” He went further, suggesting the presence of alleged “judicial sabotage” involving certain magistrates. Sonko emphasized that “these files belong not to the magistrates, but to the people,” before indicating his intent to “raise the stakes” in the coming weeks.
