Macky Sall Denies Mismanagement Claims Following Audit Findings

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has dismissed criticisms following an independent audit that invalidated official financial accounts during his presidency. He labeled the situation as a political trial, asserting the integrity of his administration’s financial practices. The audit has triggered potential legal actions and prompted Moody’s to downgrade Senegal’s credit rating.

Macky Sall, the former President of Senegal, has dismissed criticisms following an independent audit that questioned the accuracy of financial figures during his administration from 2012 to 2024. He characterized the critique as a politically motivated trial, expressing confidence in the transparency of his government’s operations. Sall’s comments came in an interview with Jeune Afrique, where he rejected the negative implications of a Court of Audit report that his successor’s administration deemed “catastrophic.”

On February 13, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced potential legal actions against individuals responsible for severe financial mismanagement based on the court’s report. The audit revealed a public debt amounting to 99.67 percent of GDP, significantly surpassing previous estimates, and identified discrepancies in the projected 2023 budget deficit, which was recalculated from 4.9 percent to 12.3 percent.

Furthermore, the report highlighted significant amounts of off-the-books spending that were not included in the state’s financial records. Following the publication of these findings, Moody’s ratings agency downgraded Senegal’s financial outlook from stable to negative, reflecting increased concerns over fiscal stability.

While in South Africa promoting “The Cape Town Declaration” for alleviating debt burdens in Africa, Sall reiterated his belief that the accusations against him were unfounded. He stated, “I totally disagree with these allegations of falsification. This is a political process. We have always worked in complete transparency with all partners,” emphasizing the previous annual certification of state financial accounts by the Court of Auditors.

In light of potential legal investigations into his former government, Sall expressed a lack of fear regarding possible repercussions and indicated his continued freedom of movement between Morocco and Senegal. He concluded, “Nothing prevents me from going to Senegal and I don’t rule out returning there.”

In summary, former President Macky Sall has rejected allegations stemming from an independent audit that raised questions about the fiscal management of his administration. He deems the criticisms as politically motivated and asserts that his government’s financial dealings have always been transparent. The findings, which revealed a stark revision of Senegal’s public debt and budget deficit, have led to potential legal actions and a downgrade from Moody’s ratings agency.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com