Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In a strongly-worded statement released Sunday, October 6, 2024, Senegal’s Alliance Pour la République (APR), the political party founded by former President Macky Sall, denounced what it describes as “irresponsible proposals” by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko on public finance management from 2019 to 2023. This statement comes in response to allegations Sonko made at a recent press conference, where he criticized the APR-led administration’s handling of the nation’s finances, suggesting widespread financial misappropriation during Sall’s tenure.

During the September 26 conference, Prime Minister Sonko, joined by key ministers from the economy, justice, and higher education sectors, referenced a provisional report on public finances, insinuating that Sall’s administration had manipulated financial figures.

The APR’s statement rebuffed these accusations, labeling them “crude assertions” that reveal a lack of understanding of public finance protocols. The party emphasized the transparency of its fiscal management, claiming that routine audits and evaluations during Sall’s presidency ensured that funds were meticulously accounted for.

The APR further argued that the Prime Minister’s public commentary on an ongoing audit demonstrates “ignorance of the rules which govern public finances,” criticizing Sonko for not waiting for the Court of Auditors to verify the provisional report.

“The Court of Auditors is the only competent authority to assess the accuracy of financial accounts and public fund usage,” the APR asserted, calling Sonko’s preemptive conclusions a “mode of operation not very elegant” and “damaging to the credibility of Senegal’s institutions.”

APR highlighted that laws covering the 2019–2021 fiscal years were already validated by the National Assembly, with the 2022 settlement bill awaiting review. They maintained that, in accordance with Senegalese law, financial audits must involve feedback from former finance ministers and relevant stakeholders, with the Court of Auditors reviewing and certifying the report’s conclusions before they become actionable.

Expressing dismay over what it deems a “blatant lack of respect” for Senegal’s financial governance, the APR claimed that Sonko’s assertions erode public trust in state institutions. The party accused Sonko of “degrading the image of Senegal and dishonoring the Republic” with statements it deemed hasty and lacking in evidence. “Mr. Sonko’s clumsy declarations,” the statement reads, “jeopardize the credibility, image, and reputation of Senegal, cultivated by great statesmen before him.”

With Senegal facing pressing socio-economic challenges—rising unemployment, surging living costs, and renewed waves of illegal migration—the APR appealed for what it called a “responsible and informed public debate.” The statement concluded with a call for Sonko to act with prudence and integrity in addressing national issues, noting that misinformed criticism and “malicious accusations” are counterproductive to addressing Senegal’s challenges effectively.