Macky Sall Faces Possible Legal Action Over Public Finance Mismanagement in Senegal

Former President Macky Sall may face legal charges following a Court of Auditors report detailing mismanagement of public finances during his time in office. The report indicates significant discrepancies in financial reporting, now under scrutiny by the Senegalese government aimed at accountability and transparency. Sall’s historical precedent would be cemented as the first ex-president prosecuted after independence, amid rising tensions and violence related to his administration’s policies.

A recent report by the Court of Auditors in Senegal suggests potential legal actions against former President Macky Sall due to significant irregularities in public finance management during his tenure from 2012 to 2024. These findings indicate that the treasury’s bookkeeping was mismanaged, leading to a revised assessment of the country’s debt and public deficit, which is now reported at 12.3 percent instead of the previously announced 4.9 percent.

Moustapha Sarre, a government spokesman, stated that Sall could be charged as the leader of a group responsible for criminal acts during his presidency. He affirmed that Sall would inevitably face justice for what he described as extremely serious violations. The allegations also reflect a broader effort by the current government to distance itself from Sall’s administration, which has been associated with widespread corruption.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, an outspoken critic of Sall, has pledged to investigate allegations of severe corruption and has confirmed that several former officials, including Sall’s associates, have already faced charges relating to fraud and money laundering. The potential trial of Sall would mark a historic legal precedent, as no former head of state has been prosecuted in this manner since Senegal’s independence in 1960.

In the lead-up to transitions in power, political violence escalated significantly, resulting in the deaths of numerous citizens during protests. These incidents prompted Amnesty International to call for accountability regarding security forces’ actions during the unrest. Marceau Sivieude, the interim regional director for Amnesty International, urged the repeal of an amnesty law that protects those involved in the unrest, emphasizing the need for justice and accountability.

Responses from Sall’s camp have been swift, denouncing the remarks made by government officials as unacceptable and manipulative. Abdou Mbow, deputy spokesperson for Sall’s party, criticized the portrayal of Sall as a gang leader, arguing that such language is irresponsible and undermines the dignity associated with leadership.

The developments surrounding former President Macky Sall highlight significant discrepancies in Senegal’s public finance management and signal an aggressive shift by the current government towards accountability for past administrations. With potential charges looming, Sall’s case marks a turning point in Senegalese governance, reflecting growing demands for transparency and justice in the wake of political violence and allegations of corruption. The reactions from Sall’s supporters indicate a contentious political landscape as Senegal navigates these complex issues.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr