Senegal’s ex-President Macky Sall is to be summoned over financial irregularities, with an audit revealing a budget deficit of 12.3% for 2023, significantly higher than previously reported figures. He denies allegations, claiming they are politically motivated. If charged, he would be the first former president tried since 1960, as political unrest surrounding his administration continues.
Senegal’s former President Macky Sall is facing legal challenges as the country prepares to summon him over alleged financial irregularities. An audit revealed that during his presidency (2012-2024), the country experienced a budget deficit of 12.3% in 2023, which is significantly higher than the previously reported 4.9%. This alarming mismanagement has raised questions about the accuracy of the economic data submitted during his administration.
On February 12, 2025, a report from Senegal’s audit office indicated misreporting in key financial metrics such as public debt, increasing scrutiny on Sall’s government. Government spokesman Moustapha Sarre suggested that Sall might face serious criminal charges and emphasized his role in overseeing these irregularities. He 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 refuted these allegations, labeling the audit findings as politically motivated attacks against him. He has described the claims as part of a broader agenda targeting his administration. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in March 2024, aims to distance his government from Sall’s legacy, with Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko advocating for a thorough investigation into reported corruption under Sall’s rule.
There have already been arrests of individuals connected to Sall’s administration, including a member of parliament, on charges related to fraud and money laundering. If prosecuted, Sall would be the first former head of state in Senegal since independence in 1960 to face trial. Additionally, there are speculations he may face charges of “high treason” in front of Senegal’s High Court of Justice.
Compounding the political unrest are allegations surrounding an amnesty law enacted by Sall, which granted immunity to certain individuals involved in political violence. This law has faced criticism for hindering justice for victims of the unrest that plagued the final years of Sall’s presidency, which resulted in numerous casualties among young protesters. Amnesty International has advocated for accountability regarding the security forces responsible for excessive violence and has emphasized the need for legal proceedings against them.
The comments from the current government officials regarding Sall’s management have prompted backlash from his supporters, with Abdou Mbow of Sall’s political party labeling their statements as manipulative and unacceptable. The political landscape in Senegal remains tense, presenting substantial challenges as the country seeks to reconcile its tumultuous history following Sall’s exit from office.
Macky Sall is facing a significant legal challenge as Senegal prepares to summon him over financial irregularities revealed by a recent audit. The allegations point to severe mismanagement of the national budget, with Sall potentially facing charges that have never before been levied against a former president. Amidst continuing political unrest and scrutiny over an amnesty law, the situation highlights Senegal’s complex transition as it navigates accountability and justice in the aftermath of Sall’s presidency.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
