A new chapter has unfolded in the ongoing debate surrounding the reform of special credits. Dr. El Hadji Abdourahmane Diouf, who serves as the Minister of Petroleum and Deputy General Supervisor for the KIIRAAY / Les Patriotes Républicains coalition, has issued a strong condemnation of the National Assembly’s proposed bill concerning these funds. He directly accused the parliamentary majority and its president, Ousmane Sonko, of employing “double-speak” when addressing religious institutions.

Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf maintains that Ousmane Sonko’s recent outreach to religious centers directly contradicts the true substance of the legislative text submitted to Parliament. “His proposals before the National Assembly are entirely disconnected from what he conveyed to our spiritual guides,” Diouf declared, pointing to a “profound moral inconsistency.” The Minister cited Article 2 of the parliamentary proposal, which restricts special credits “exclusively” to defense, security, and intelligence operations. Furthermore, he highlighted Article 5, which explicitly forbids expenditures of a social nature. Diouf characterized this wording as creating “anti-social and anti-religious credits,” arguing that it effectively shuts the door on any form of solidarity intended for vulnerable populations.

In contrast, Diouf commended the Executive’s proposed amendments, which aim to reinstate “the preservation of social order” and uphold “humanitarian values, mutual assistance, and solidarity.” His verdict was unequivocal: “Where the Assembly excludes, the Executive includes.” Dr. Abdourahmane Diouf concluded by criticizing Ousmane Sonko for having unreservedly utilized political funds during his tenure as Prime Minister. He urged Sonko to acknowledge the implications of his current legislative text, stating: “Take responsibility for your discriminatory treatment of our religious communities regarding the allocation of political funds! The Republic! Nothing but the Republic!”