The purchase of a new presidential aeroplane in Senegal has sparked controversy.

Members of civil society and the opposition want to know why the Airbus A320neo, which should be delivered on 16 July, is needed and how much it cost.

Government spokesperson Oumar Guèye said the current presidential plane had become obsolete and maintenance costs had gone up.

He said the A319 model was immobile for long periods forcing the government to charter other planes for presidential missions.

This he said it was becoming expensive for the government.

The opposition said there was no need to be secretive about the cost of purchasing the plane and the procurement process.

The government is yet to disclose this information to the public.

A group of civil societies, called Nio Lank movement, said the country had other priorities like the provision of food and water, terming the purchase as unnecessary, Radio France Internationale reports.

Source: BBC