Senegal is contemplating legal action against those involved in financial mismanagement during Macky Sall’s presidency, highlighted by a recent damning audit. The report reveals serious discrepancies, including inflated budget deficits and hidden debts. Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne warned of potential criminal charges against implicated parties, reflecting a government shift toward transparency and accountability.
The Senegalese government is considering legal action against individuals implicated in significant financial mismanagement during former President Macky Sall’s tenure, as revealed in a recent Audit Office report. This independent audit assessed the period from 2019 to 2024 and identified substantial issues in public accounts, including undisclosed debt, budget discrepancies, and irregular banking practices.
Justice Minister Ousmane Diagne addressed the media in Dakar, indicating that the audit’s findings could prompt criminal charges such as forgery, misappropriation of public funds, money laundering, and illicit enrichment. The report highlighted that Senegal’s 2023 budget deficit was 12.3%, significantly higher than the government’s reported 4.9%, which raises concerns about fiscal transparency.
Furthermore, the total government debt approached 100% of GDP, exceeding previous official disclosures. The audit indicated various anomalies such as unrecorded bank debts and absent state deposits, potentially amounting to criminal offenses, according to the report.
These findings resonate with past accusations from Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who previously asserted that the Sall administration manipulated public finances. Newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who assumed office in March, has prioritized economic reform and anti-corruption measures, which have resonated with young citizens facing unemployment and inflation challenges.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has taken notice of the audit results and acknowledged the government’s efforts toward transparency, lifting the suspension of its aid program. This response reflects optimism regarding Senegal’s commitment to addressing financial mismanagement and improving economic conditions for its citizens.
The Senegalese government’s potential legal actions against implicated individuals signal a serious approach to addressing financial mismanagement that occurred during the previous administration. The troubling findings of the audit, encompassing budget manipulation and hidden debt, underscore the urgent need for transparency and accountability. Under the new leadership, there is a renewed commitment to reforming the economy and tackling corruption to stabilize the nation’s finances.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
