In a sharp critique of government transparency, Thierno Bocoum, leader of the AGIR-Les Leaders movement, has accused Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of hypocrisy over the alleged receipt of substantial political funds during his tenure in public office.

Bocoum pointed to Sonko’s admission of receiving approximately 1.77 billion CFA francs annually under the controversial category of ‘political funds.’ This revelation, he argues, undermines Sonko’s credibility as a champion of anti-corruption efforts and public fund management.

The opposition leader also highlighted the delayed disclosure of these funds, noting that lawmakers—tasked with overseeing the national budget and government performance—allegedly remained unaware of their existence for years. He further cited statements from a former government spokesperson who claimed no prior knowledge of such funds, deepening concerns about their institutional oversight.

Bocoum’s remarks underscore what he describes as a double standard in Senegal’s political discourse. He accuses Sonko of demanding accountability from others while sidestepping scrutiny over his own financial dealings. ‘Transparency is demanded of everyone but conveniently ignored when it comes to personal conduct,’ he stated.

The controversy spotlights broader questions about ethical leadership in Senegal, where public expectations of fiscal responsibility clash with the realities of state funding mechanisms. As debates intensify, the Prime Minister’s handling of these funds remains a flashpoint for political opponents and reform advocates alike.