Senegal Summons Ex-President Macky Sall Over Financial…

Senegal is summoning ex-President Macky Sall due to financial mismanagement allegations, including a 12.3% budget deficit revealed in a recent audit. Moustapha Sarre, the government spokesperson, stated Sall may face criminal charges. Sall denies wrongdoing, asserting the accusations are politically driven. The recent amnesty law he enacted has been criticized and is set for repeal. The situation reflects ongoing tensions in Senegalese politics post-Sall’s presidency.

Senegal is preparing to summon former President Macky Sall to court due to serious irregularities discovered in the country’s financial reports during his administration. An audit released on February 12, 2025, indicated a budget deficit for 2023 of 12.3 percent, significantly higher than the 4.9 percent previously reported, highlighting what officials deem a “catastrophic” mismanagement of public funds.

Moustapha Sarre, the government spokesperson, indicated that Sall might face criminal charges, characterizing him as possibly leading a group responsible for severe offenses during his presidency. Sarre remarked, “Inevitably he will face justice. He is the person chiefly responsible for the extremely serious acts that were committed.” Meanwhile, Sall has denied the allegations, labeling them as politically motivated.

Since stepping down in 2024, Sall has claimed residence in Morocco, maintaining that the audit controversy fits within a broader political agenda against him. His successor, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, have both pledged to investigate the corruption of the past administration. Several former officials close to Sall are already facing charges related to fraud and money laundering.

If charges against Sall proceed, it would be unprecedented, marking the first time a former Senegalese leader has been tried in court since the nation’s independence in 1960. The emergence of possible “high treason” charges against him has added to the political tension in Senegal.

Additionally, the amnesty law enacted by Sall, which granted immunity to those involved in political violence ahead of the elections, has drawn criticism. Prime Minister Sonko’s government has announced intentions to repeal this law, which is perceived as obstructing justice for victims of the unrest experienced during Sall’s tenure. Between March 2021 and February 2024, protests resulted in the deaths of 65 individuals, primarily young protesters, further complicating the current political landscape.

Amnesty International has called for inquiries into the excessive force by police during these protests, underscoring the necessity for accountability. “Justice, truth, and reparation require that security forces allegedly responsible for excessive and illegal use of force during protests be prosecuted,” stated Marceau Sivieude, the organization’s interim director for West and Central Africa.

The reactions from Sall’s political party, the APR, reflect strong opposition to the government’s statements, with deputy spokesperson Abdou Mbow denouncing them as “unacceptable” and an attempt to mislead the public.

As Senegal grapples with these unfolding events, political and legal uncertainty looms large, complicating the country’s trajectory following the end of Sall’s presidency.

In conclusion, former President Macky Sall faces serious allegations regarding financial mismanagement, backed by an audit revealing significant discrepancies in budget reports. The potential for legal proceedings against Sall represents a significant moment in Senegal’s political history. The recently enacted amnesty law also faces scrutiny, as the new administration commits to addressing past injustices. As the situation evolves, the nation’s political stability remains precarious amidst these challenges.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke