Moustapha Njekk Sarré defends Ousmane Sonko amid public debt criticism

Moustapha Njekk Sarré, vice-president of Pastef, has publicly defended Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko against criticism regarding Senegal's public debt. Sarré addressed the controversy surrounding Sonko's statements on "hidden debt," accusing some media outlets of biased reporting and creating confusion. He clarified that state debt is regulated by finance laws approved by the National Assembly, suggesting that any debt contracted outside these authorized frameworks could be considered hidden. Sarré also referred to the findings of financial audits by the Inspectorate General of Finance and the Court of Auditors. He noted that discrepancies between the debt level announced at the end of former President Macky Sall's administration and the figures revealed by control bodies raise legitimate questions. Citing statements from Mamadou Faye, former president of the Court of Auditors, Sarré argued there is no contradiction between the institution's findings and the use of the term "hidden debt" in public discourse, as the Court's mission was to establish the debt level, not to legally or politically qualify its nature. Sarré also defended Sonko's remarks during an interview with France 24, stating they were misinterpreted, and dismissed accusations of a policy reversal. He criticized several media outlets for allegedly attempting to damage Sonko's image, asserting that past attacks have only increased his popularity. Sarré concluded by urging Sonko's opponents to change their politic