Senegal plans to summon former President Macky Sall over a financial audit revealing a budget deficit of 12.3 percent. This highlights alleged mismanagement during his term. Current officials suggest potential criminal charges against Sall, who denies the accusations. The controversy has stirred debates on corruption, political violence, and justice in Senegal’s political framework.
Senegal is moving to summon former President Macky Sall due to serious financial irregularities found in the nation’s 2023 budget. An audit report reveals a significant budget deficit of 12.3 percent, which is notably higher than the 4.9 percent previously reported during his presidency from 2012 to 2024. The government aims to hold Sall accountable for what has been termed “catastrophic” mismanagement of public funds.
A report published by the national audit office has raised serious concerns about the accuracy of publicly reported financial figures under Sall’s administration. Government spokesperson Moustapha Sarre indicated that Sall could face criminal charges, asserting that he could potentially be the leader of a group responsible for serious offences. Sarre stated, “Inevitably he will face justice. He is the person chiefly responsible for the extremely serious acts that were committed.”
Currently residing in Morocco, Sall has rejected the allegations, characterizing the audit controversy as merely a political issue with no substantial basis. His successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has committed to distancing his administration from Sall’s era, while Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has vowed to investigate alleged widespread corruption under Sall. Arrests of several associates of Sall, including a member of parliament charged with fraud and money laundering, have already occurred.
If charges are brought against Sall, it would be a historic first for Senegal, marking the trial of a former head of state since the country’s independence from France in 1960. It is speculated that Sall may face charges of “high treason” before Senegal’s High Court of Justice.
Additionally, the amnesty law enacted by Sall before the March 2024 elections, which provided immunity for political violence perpetrators, has come under scrutiny. Critics contend this legislation obstructs justice for victims of violence during Sall’s presidency. As reports indicate, between March 2021 and February 2024, protests against Sall resulted in the deaths of 65 individuals, mainly young people who were victims of gunfire.
Amnesty International has called for accountability regarding the security forces’ excessive use of force in these protests, with interim regional director Marceau Sivieude insisting, “Justice, truth, and reparation require that security forces allegedly responsible for excessive and illegal use of force during protests be prosecuted.”
The situation continues to be contentious, with feelings running high in Sall’s political camp. Abdou Mbow, deputy spokesperson for Sall’s political party, criticized the government’s remarks and affirmed that calling Sall a “gang leader” is intolerable and manipulative, stating, “We cannot understand or accept that a government spokesperson would call a former head of state a gang leader.”
Senegal faces a challenging political landscape as it navigates the aftermath of Sall’s administration and the implications of these significant developments.
In summary, Senegal’s government is preparing to summon former President Macky Sall in response to financial mismanagement, marked by a troubling budget deficit of 12.3 percent. The audit reports cast a shadow on his administration, leading to potential criminal charges against him and other associates. As the new government seeks to address allegations of corruption and political violence, the legal proceedings against Sall may prompt significant discussions regarding accountability and justice in Senegalese politics.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
