Senegal will summon ex-president Macky Sall due to financial irregularities revealed in a recent audit, showing a budget deficit of 12.3% for 2023. Sall is accused of catastrophic mismanagement, and if charged, it would be unprecedented for a former leader. Current officials are committed to investigating allegations of extensive corruption and political violence during his term.
Senegal is preparing to summon former President Macky Sall to court due to significant financial irregularities unearthed during his administration (2012-2024). An audit report dated February 12, 2025, indicated a budget deficit for 2023 of 12.3 percent, drastically higher than the 4.9 percent previously reported. The findings suggest a considerable mismanagement of the public purse under Sall’s leadership, raising doubts regarding the accuracy of economic data.
Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre has indicated that Sall could be prosecuted for criminal activities and described him as the potential leader of a group involved in significant offences during his presidency. He asserted, “Inevitably he will face justice. He is the person chiefly responsible for the extremely serious acts that were committed.” Sall, currently residing in Morocco, has refuted these allegations, labeling the controversy as politically motivated and part of a broader agenda.
Current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, has committed to distancing his administration from Sall’s legacy, while Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a seasoned critic of Sall, has promised a thorough investigation into the extensive corruption allegedly plaguing Sall’s administration. Numerous associates of Sall, including a member of parliament, have already faced charges related to fraud and money laundering.
The potential charges against Sall, including speculations of “high treason,” would mark a historic first, as no former Senegalese president has been tried since the nation’s independence from France in 1960. Recently, the amnesty law enacted by Sall prior to the March 2024 elections, which granted immunity to individuals involved in political violence, has come under fire. Critics argue this legislation impedes justice for victims of violence during Sall’s final years in office.
Political unrest characterized Sall’s tenure, with significant protests leading to numerous fatalities. Between March 2021 and February 2024, CartograFreeSenegal and Amnesty International documented at least 65 deaths linked to anti-Sall demonstrations. Amnesty International has urged an inquiry into the security forces’ actions during this period, asserting the necessity for accountability.
The political climate in Senegal remains fraught, as the government’s comments regarding Sall have incited discontent among his supporters. Abdou Mbow, deputy spokesperson for Sall’s political party APR, condemned the statements made by government officials as “unacceptable” and an attempt to manipulate public perception, underscoring the ongoing tensions within Senegalese politics.
In conclusion, Senegal’s potential legal action against former President Macky Sall for financial misconduct marks a significant turning point in the country’s political history. The audit revealing severe discrepancies in public financial management underlines the need for accountability. As Sall faces potential criminal charges, the political landscape continues to shift, with rising tensions surrounding past violence and current governance. The outcome of these developments will undoubtedly shape Senegal’s political future.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
