Civil society figure challenges ousmane sonko on pastef’s 1.7 billion fcfa fund

In Senegal, the ongoing controversy surrounding alleged « black funds » from the previous administration has taken a sharper, more personal turn. Babacar Bâ, a prominent civil society figure known for his engagement in public governance discussions, is now directly questioning the consistency of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. Bâ criticizes the head of government for basing a significant portion of his anti-corruption rhetoric on exposing opaque financial flows, while simultaneously acknowledging that his own party, Pastef, amassed a political fund totaling 1.7 billion FCFA.

Scrutiny over alleged black funds and political transparency

Since the political transition in March 2024, the new executive, led by the duo of President Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, has championed the fight against opaque financial mechanisms inherited from the previous government as a cornerstone of its reform agenda. The condemnation of « black funds »—discretionary allocations that bypass standard budgetary oversight—forms a core narrative in the administration’s commitment to public accountability and improved African governance.

However, Babacar Bâ argues that this stance falters under close scrutiny. He points out that the Prime Minister himself publicly acknowledged substantial resources collected by his Pastef party, yet without detailed documentation on how these funds were raised or who contributed to them. The reported sum of 1.7 billion FCFA, Bâ’s critics contend, represents an amount far exceeding typical political party financing norms in Senegal.

The paradox of a 1.7 billion FCFA political fund

The issue of political party financing remains a significant grey area within Senegalese law. Unlike several other West African democracies, Senegal currently lacks a robust legal framework to cap donations or rigorously control partisan resources. This regulatory vacuum frequently fuels mutual suspicions among political factions.

Babacar Bâ highlights the inherent paradox between the government’s resolute anti-corruption discourse and the relative obscurity surrounding the funds claimed by the ruling party. His argument questions the very nature of this significant fund: if it originated from membership contributions, the sheer scale of the amount raises questions given the typical demographics of party adherents. Conversely, if the funds came from identified donors, Bâ insists that transparency would necessitate a detailed public disclosure of contributors.

It is important to note that the legitimacy of a political party to raise funds for its campaigns is not, in itself, under dispute. Rather, the criticism centers on the consistency of applied standards. A government that prioritizes the traceability of public funds as a fundamental principle, Bâ contends, must extend the same rigorous standards to its own political machinery.

A prolonged debate on financial transparency in Senegal

Babacar Bâ’s recent statements emerge amidst a tense political atmosphere in Senegal. For several months, ongoing investigations by the Cour des comptes (Court of Auditors) and various administrative commissions into previous public finance management have dominated the news. Each new revelation fuels a contentious narrative clash between supporters of the former majority and the current administration.

Within this environment, Babacar Bâ’s challenge seeks to broaden the scope of the debate. Instead of merely pitting one political faction against another, he raises a crucial question of normative consistency: the campaign against « black funds », he argues, can only maintain credibility if it is applied uniformly to both public officials and the political parties they represent. Consequently, the financing of Pastef, an issue largely overshadowed by the intense electoral dynamics of 2024, is now resurfacing as the party consolidates its institutional influence.

For international investors and partners closely monitoring Senegal’s governance trajectory, this debate holds significant weight. The effectiveness of political financing transparency mechanisms is a key indicator tracked by donors and rating agencies. Stricter legislation, a topic frequently discussed within civil society circles, could well be a natural outcome of this ongoing controversy. Babacar Bâ has publicly urged the Prime Minister to provide clear explanations regarding the 1.7 billion FCFA fund.