Senegal to Summon Ex-President Macky Sall Over Financial Irregularities

Senegal intends to summon former President Macky Sall to court over reported financial irregularities, including a budget deficit of 12.3% for 2023. Sall faces potential criminal charges amid allegations of catastrophic mismanagement. His successor, President Faye, seeks to distance his administration from Sall’s legacy while investigating alleged corruption. The contentious political atmosphere continues to evolve as legal and political challenges emerge.

Senegal is preparing to summon former President Macky Sall to court over allegations of financial irregularities during his administration. An audit has revealed a budget deficit for 2023 of 12.3%, significantly higher than the previously reported 4.9%. This audit has raised concerns regarding the legitimacy of the public debt and deficit figures during Sall’s tenure from 2012 to 2024.

According to government spokesman Moustapha Sarre, Sall may face criminal charges, as he presided over what has been described as “catastrophic” mismanagement. Sarre emphasizes that Sall may be held responsible as the leader of a group implicated in serious violations of financial regulations during his presidency.

Currently residing in Morocco, Sall has strongly denied the accusations, asserting that the controversy surrounding the audit is politically motivated. He maintains that the claims against him and his administration are unfounded, accusing opponents of leveraging the situation for political gains.

Newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has vowed to distance his administration from Sall’s legacy. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, a fierce critic of Sall, has initiated a thorough investigation into alleged widespread corruption that transpired under the former president’s rule.

Several individuals associated with Sall have already been arrested for fraud and money laundering, raising the potential for legal action against Sall himself. If charges proceed, it would be unprecedented as Sall would be the first former Senegalese president to be tried in court since independence in 1960.

Furthermore, an amnesty law enacted by Sall prior to the March 2024 election is drawing scrutiny. This law reportedly grants immunity to those involved in political violence, which has come under criticism after Sonko’s government announced its intention to repeal it, aiming to ensure justice for the victims of political unrest during Sall’s administration.

Political turmoil marked the end of Sall’s presidency, with protests resulting in the deaths of 65 individuals, predominantly youth, from March 2021 to February 2024, according to a report by CartograFreeSenegal and Amnesty International. The organization has called for accountability concerning security forces accused of excessive force during these protests.

The government’s rhetoric has faced backlash from Sall’s political allies, with Abdou Mbow of the APR party condemning the characterization of Sall as a gang leader. Mbow labeled such statements as an attempt at manipulation by the current administration, highlighting ongoing tensions in Senegal’s political landscape post-Sall.

In summary, Senegal is preparing to legally confront former President Macky Sall over significant financial irregularities reported during his administration. With allegations of catastrophic mismanagement and the possibility of criminal charges, the political dynamic in Senegal remains tense. The implications of these developments may not only reshape the political landscape but also influence perceptions of accountability and justice in the nation’s governance.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke