Senegalese pm sonko demands accountability over stalled corruption cases

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has expressed frustration over the lack of judicial action in corruption cases, questioning the integrity of Senegal’s justice system during a ministerial meeting on infrastructure. Speaking at a cabinet session dedicated to addressing infrastructure deficits and construction project irregularities, Sonko took the floor after Justice Minister Yassine Fall presented her report.

With mounting skepticism, he turned to the minister and posed a pointed question: “Madam Minister, what exactly is the justice system doing? Sometimes, I have doubts. Is all this effort truly necessary?” His tone sharpened as he highlighted what he sees as systemic failures. “In this country, some individuals act with impunity, protected by the system while billions vanish without consequence. No legal action has been taken, despite clear wrongdoing,” he declared, his voice rising in indignation.

Sonko emphasized that the administration was elected to enforce accountability, not to let corrupt practices go unpunished. “It makes no sense to ask Senegalese citizens to repeatedly fund the same projects while those responsible for embezzling billions roam freely,” he argued. He went further, questioning the justice system’s ability to handle scandals when it itself appears compromised. “If the judiciary is tainted, what can you realistically achieve with these files?”

Yassine Fall’s response

Minister Fall responded by pledging that her department, under her leadership, is committed to holding wrongdoers accountable, despite structural obstacles. “We are working tirelessly, and with determination, we will deliver results that satisfy the Senegalese people,” she assured. However, Sonko was not satisfied, insisting that accountability must extend to all public officials, past and present, including ministers and directors.

Calls for transparency and systemic reform

The Prime Minister stressed the need for public disclosure of each case’s progress, rejecting the idea that legal files belong to individual magistrates. “These cases belong to the Senegalese people, not to any official,” he stated firmly. His final warning carried a clear message: “We will raise the stakes soon. The files are not the property of magistrates, ministers, or the President—they belong to all citizens.”