Senegal plans to summon former president Macky Sall over financial mismanagement, revealing a 12.3 percent budget deficit for 2023, significantly above earlier estimates. The audit has led government officials to suspect criminal conduct, while Sall denies the allegations, claiming they are politically charged. His previous tenure is marked by unrest and criticism surrounding an amnesty law related to political violence.
Senegal plans to summon former president Macky Sall to face court proceedings over reported financial discrepancies from his administration. An audit disclosed a 2023 budget deficit of 12.3 percent, significantly higher than the previously reported 4.9 percent, indicating severe mismanagement of public finances. Macky Sall, who served from 2012 to 2024, faces serious accusations regarding his oversight of the country’s fiscal policies.
On February 12, 2025, a report by Senegal’s audit office raised concerns about the credibility of financial data, specifically concerning public debt and deficits. Government spokesperson Moustapha Sarre indicated that Sall could potentially face criminal charges, as he may have led a group involved in serious misconduct during his presidency. Sarre stated, “Inevitably he will face justice. He is the person chiefly responsible for the extremely serious acts that were committed.”
Sall has refuted these allegations, asserting that the situation is politically motivated and that the claims are unfounded. Since leaving office, he has resided in Morocco. Current President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, elected in March 2024, has expressed intentions to sever ties with Sall’s administration and promote an investigation into alleged corruption attributed to Sall’s governance.
Charges against Sall, if pursued, would mark a historical first, as it would be the first instance of a former Senegalese leader being tried following the country’s independence from France. There exists speculation regarding the possibility of charges reaching the severity of “high treason” under Senegal’s High Court of Justice.
Additionally, an amnesty law instituted by Sall shortly before the 2024 elections, which provided immunity related to political violence, has faced criticism. The law has been seen as protective of Sall’s government and has been targeted for repeal by Sonko’s administration. The latter’s tenure was previously overshadowed by significant political unrest, resulting in the deaths of at least 65 individuals from March 2021 to February 2024.
Amnesty International has called for accountability concerning the alleged excessive force used by security forces during protests and emphasized that the amnesty law inhibits justice for victims. Marceau Sivieude, interim regional director for West and Central Africa, highlighted the need for prosecutions of those responsible for unlawful actions against protestors.
The situation has prompted strong reactions from Sall’s political party, the APR, as officials rebuffed government assertions against Sall. Deputy spokesperson Abdou Mbow condemned the government’s statements as “unacceptable” and accused them of trying to manipulate public perception. The political environment in Senegal remains tense as the country confronts the ramifications of Sall’s administration.
Senegal is moving forward with potential legal action against former president Macky Sall regarding significant financial irregularities during his term. This scenario suggests a historical precedent, as it would be the first trial of a former head of state since independence. Meanwhile, Sall maintains his innocence and deems the allegations politically motivated. The ongoing political tension reflects broader societal upheaval and demands for accountability in governance.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
