Ousmane Sonko’s pointed jab at Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye

On October 19, Ousmane Sonko criticized the use of secret funds to finance political activities, foundations or mayors, calling for stricter controls. Without naming Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye, he spoke as the two first ladies are associated with the Sénégal Solidaire Foundation, officially launched in April 2026. The debate partly centers on an announced contribution of 500 million CFA francs to buy 200,000 tickets for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games; the presidential party Kiiraay said the money came from international donors, businesses and philanthropists, not the state budget.