Former President Macky Sall of Senegal is to be summoned over accusations of severe financial mismanagement, which saw the country’s budget deficit rise to 12.3%. The government suggests that Sall could face criminal charges, with ongoing investigations into corruption and political violence from his tenure. The situation has sparked outrage among Sall’s supporters, contributing to a tense political climate post his presidency.
Senegal is poised to summon former President Macky Sall to address serious allegations pertaining to financial irregularities observed during his administration. An audit conducted by the nation’s financial office revealed that the budget deficit for 2023 is reported at 12.3 percent, significantly higher than the previously claimed figure of 4.9 percent. Such discrepancies have raised concerns about the mismanagement of public finances under Sall’s leadership from 2012 until 2024.
The audit report, released on February 12, 2025, has prompted government spokesman Moustapha Sarre to express that Sall may face criminal charges, potentially for leading a group engaged in severe misdeeds during his presidency. Sarre remarked, “Inevitably he will face justice. He is the person chiefly responsible for the extremely serious acts that were committed.”
Macky Sall, who has been residing in Morocco since leaving office, contends that the allegations are unfounded and framed as part of a broader political agenda against him. His successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have both pledged to investigate allegations of extensive corruption linked to Sall’s administration. Arrests have already been made against individuals associated with Sall for fraud and money laundering.
This potential prosecution of a former Senegalese head of state would be historic, marking the first occasion since the nation’s independence from France in 1960. Investigations may also extend to charges of “high treason” against Sall and members of his administration, which adds another layer of complexity to the current political climate.
Moreover, Sall’s recently enacted amnesty law, which provided immunity for those involved in political violence, has come under scrutiny. Critics assert that this legislation, introduced just before the elections, impedes justice for victims of violence during his final months in office. Ample violence marked Sall’s term, with reports indicating 65 fatalities during protests against his governance from 2021 to early 2024.
Amnesty International has urged for an inquiry into the excessive use of force by security personnel during these protests, emphasizing that the amnesty law poses an obstacle to achieving justice. Marceau Sivieude, Amnesty’s interim director, stated, “Justice, truth, and reparation require that security forces allegedly responsible for excessive and illegal use of force during protests be prosecuted.”
The current government’s position has incited backlash among supporters of Sall. Abdou Mbow, the deputy spokesperson for Sall’s party, denounced the government’s accusations, labelling them as “unacceptable” and a form of manipulation. The evolving situation reflects the heightened tensions as Senegal navigates through political and legal upheavals following the end of Sall’s presidency.
In conclusion, Senegal’s political landscape is witnessing significant upheaval with the impending summons of former President Macky Sall over financial mismanagement allegations. The government’s audit disclosures have prompted serious charges against Sall, marking a historical moment for accountability in Senegal. Amid ongoing investigations into corruption and political violence, the government faces challenges as it seeks justice, while supporters of Sall continue to resist these allegations, resulting in a tense political atmosphere.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
