Former Senegalese President Macky Sall could face charges due to a public finance report detailing severe mismanagement during his term. A government spokesman indicated he might be prosecuted for criminal acts. The report exposes significant accounting discrepancies, highlighting a budget deficit far exceeding previous claims. The political fallout includes discussions on repealing an amnesty law and addressing past political violence amid ongoing calls for accountability.
In Senegal, former President Macky Sall may face legal charges due to irregularities reported by the Court of Auditors regarding public finances during his administration. A government spokesman announced on February 28 that Sall will be summoned to court following an independent audit that revealed severe mismanagement of the nation’s finances, significantly misrepresenting debt and deficits.
Sall, who governed from 2012 until 2024 and currently resides in Morocco, disputes the allegations, claiming they stem from political motivations. Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre indicated that Sall could be viewed as the leader of a group involved in criminal activities, stating, “Inevitably he will face justice.”
The audit report details a 2023 budget deficit of 12.3%, more than double the previously reported 4.9%. This staggering difference has led Sarre to assert that all events occurred under Sall’s directive without any mitigating factors.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected last March, aims to distance his administration from Sall’s practices. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a prominent critic, has committed to tackling “widespread corruption” associated with the former president’s government, with several former officials already facing charges of fraud and money laundering.
Should legal action commence, it would mark an unprecedented event in Senegal’s history as no former head of state has been prosecuted for actions in office since the nation gained independence in 1960. Recently, Sonko’s government has expressed intentions to repeal an amnesty law introduced by Sall just prior to Faye’s election, which sheltered individuals involved in violent events.
The end of Sall’s presidency was marred by political unrest, with 65 deaths reported from protests opposing his leadership. Advocacy groups have emphasized the need for accountability regarding police actions during these demonstrations. Marceau Sivieude from Amnesty International highlighted the importance of prosecuting responsible parties and criticized the amnesty law for obstructing justice efforts.
In response to the government’s accusations, Sall’s camp has condemned the remarks as disrespectful and manipulative, with APR deputy spokesperson Abdou Mbow denouncing the characterization of Sall as a gang leader as outlandish and lacking substance. No official figures regarding protest-related deaths were ever disclosed by Sall’s administration.
The situation surrounding former President Macky Sall in Senegal is escalating as a financial audit uncovers significant public mismanagement. Legal action could reshape the political landscape, marking the first instance of a former leader facing charges since independence. Amidst rising allegations of corruption, the current government aims for accountability while facing criticism for its handling of past administrations. The call for justice related to political violence and financial discrepancies reflects a wider demand for reform and transparency in Senegalese governance.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
