Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has publicly rejected allegations of financial mismanagement following an audit that invalidated his administration’s official accounts, calling it politically motivated. The audit cited severe discrepancies including a public debt ratio significantly higher than previously reported and a drastic revision of the budget deficit. Sall maintains that his government operated transparently and expresses no concern over potential legal actions against his former administration.
Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal, has responded to an independent audit that criticized the financial accounts from his tenure, calling it a politically motivated trial. Serving from 2012 until 2024, Sall expressed confidence in his administration’s transparency when speaking to Jeune Afrique magazine, asserting that he has nothing to fear from potential legal proceedings.
The recent audit by the Court of Auditors outlined significant discrepancies during Sall’s presidency, indicating a public debt of 99.67% of GDP, surpassing previous government estimates. The court also revealed a budget deficit for 2023 as high as 12.3%, a significant rise from the initially reported 4.9%, alongside exposing off-the-books spending that was not reflected in state accounts.
Sall’s comments came amidst the government’s announcement of possible legal action against individuals responsible for the financial mismanagement highlighted in the audit. The financial evaluation has affected international perceptions of Senegal’s economy, with Moody’s ratings agency downgrading the country’s long-term ratings to B3 from B1 and shifting its outlook to negative.
While in South Africa for the launch of “The Cape Town Declaration,” an initiative aimed at alleviating Africa’s debt burdens, Sall reiterated his stance against the audit’s findings, defending his administration’s previous financial certifications. He conveyed that accusations of wrongdoing were unfounded and indicated that allegations of misinformation are politically driven. He also remarked, “I am not afraid of anything. They can pursue it if they want.”
In summary, former President Macky Sall has vehemently rejected criticisms stemming from an audit that invalidated the financial accounts of his administration. He emphasizes a commitment to transparency, countering claims of mismanagement while expressing no fear of potential legal repercussions. The audit findings present a stark revision of Senegal’s financial status and have drawn significant international attention, underscoring the implications of fiscal governance in the region.
In conclusion, Macky Sall has dismissed the recent audit’s findings as politically motivated, defending the integrity of his administration’s financial practices. The audit has significant implications for Senegal’s fiscal management and international standing, prompting possible legal actions against those implicated. Sall’s firm stance indicates his readiness to confront the challenges posed by these revelations, reaffirming his historical commitment to transparency in his governance.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
