Madiambal Diagne challenges Ousmane Sonko on asset declaration as government seeks to expand transparency
Journalist Madiambal Diagne has publicly challenged Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko to publish his asset declaration, stating that President Bassirou Diomaye Faye will compel him to do so. Diagne expressed this view on X, suggesting that Sonko might seek to prevent his parliamentary majority from amending the new law, which Diagne would consider an act of cowardice. This comes as the government, through a document signed by the Minister of Justice, Keeper of the Seals, Me Moussa Sarr, has indicated a clear intention to broaden the obligation for asset declarations. The proposed reform aims to extend this requirement, currently limited to the President of the Republic, to include the President of the National Assembly and the Prime Minister. If adopted, this reform would oblige Ousmane Sonko, in his capacity as Prime Minister, to make his asset declaration public. Diagne supports this move but questions Sonko's willingness to comply, suggesting he might use his parliamentary majority to obstruct the reform. Calls for transparency regarding asset declarations from high-ranking public officials are increasing in Senegal, with civil society and political figures advocating for it as a measure against corruption. The adoption of this reform by the ruling coalition's parliamentary majority and Sonko's compliance, given his past advocacy for transparency, remain to be seen.
