The Court of Auditors in Senegal has reported significant financial mismanagement under former President Macky Sall, potentially leading to legal charges against him. Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre indicated that Sall could be viewed as leading a “gang” responsible for criminal acts. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s administration aims to investigate the corruption of the prior government, with Sall’s potential prosecution marking an unprecedented legal move in Senegal since its independence.
In Senegal, a recent report by the Court of Auditors has revealed mismanagement during former President Macky Sall’s tenure, potentially leading to legal charges against him. The government articulated intentions to summon Sall to court following findings of significant discrepancies in the country’s financial records during his leadership from 2012 to 2024. Reports indicated a drastic revision of the national debt and public deficit, which could classify Sall’s actions as “catastrophic” mismanagement of public funds.
Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre asserted that Sall may be charged as the “leader of a gang that committed criminal acts,” emphasizing the inevitability of legal proceedings against him. The Court of Auditors published a report indicating a 2023 budget deficit of 12.3 percent, more than double the previously reported figure of 4.9 percent, suggesting gross inaccuracies attributed to Sall’s orders.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who succeeded Sall in March, is committed to eradicating corruption from previous administrations, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko promising investigations into alleged widespread corruption under Sall’s rule. Moreover, the possibility of charges for “high treason” against Sall and former officials under his administration has escalated debates about accountability in Senegal’s political landscape.
If charges are indeed filed against Sall, it would represent an unprecedented legal action against a former head of state in Senegal since independence in 1960. This follows a trend where several former officials have faced fraud or money laundering charges, indicating a shift towards legal accountability. In December, Sonko proposed repealing an amnesty law granting immunity to those involved in politically motivated violence, further complicating the political climate.
The last phases of Sall’s presidency were marred by severe political violence, with reports documenting 65 fatalities during protests against his governance. Activists and organizations, including Amnesty International, have called for accountability for security forces involved in the excessive use of force. Marceau Sivieude, interim director for Amnesty International, highlighted that the current government must eliminate barriers such as the amnesty law to achieve justice and reparations for victims.
In defense of Sall, his political supporters have criticized the government’s remarks regarding his leadership. Abdou Mbow, deputy spokesperson for Sall’s party, denounced the characterization of the former president as a gang leader, calling the government’s statements populist and without merit.
In summary, former President Macky Sall of Senegal faces the potential of legal charges stemming from a detrimental audit of public finances during his administration. Government officials suggest that his leadership exemplified gross misconduct, attributing severe financial discrepancies to his management. The unfolding developments may herald a significant legal precedent in Senegal, as charges against Sall could mark the first instance of a former head of state held accountable since independence. As the new administration prioritizes tackling corruption and violence, the necessity for accountability and justice remains pressing amidst the ongoing scrutiny of the previous government’s actions.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
