Former Senegalese President Macky Sall has condemned a recent audit revealing serious financial mismanagement during his term as a politically motivated trial. The independent report found the public debt significantly higher than previously reported and adjusted the budget deficit for 2023. Sall defended his government’s transparency and expressed confidence in facing potential legal challenges related to the findings.
Macky Sall, the former president of Senegal who served from 2012 to 2024, has vehemently criticized an independent audit that invalidated official financial records from his term. He characterized the negative findings as a “political trial” aimed at undermining his leadership. Despite the audit’s revelations of significant mismanagement, Sall expressed confidence regarding potential legal proceedings, claiming that his administration conducted its affairs transparently.
The Court of Audit report revealed that public debt during Sall’s tenure reached 99.67 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), much higher than the figures reported by his government. The report also adjusted the estimated budget deficit for 2023 from 4.9 percent to 12.3 percent, highlighting previously unaccounted expenditures. In response to these findings, the Senegalese government, represented by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, announced intentions to pursue legal action regarding the alleged financial discrepancies.
In a recent interview with Jeune Afrique while in South Africa for a debt relief initiative, Sall dismissed the criticism and stated, “I totally disagree with these allegations of falsification. This is a political process. We have always worked in complete transparency with all partners.” He further noted that the Court of Auditors had consistently certified Senegal’s financial accounts during his presidency, asserting that the allegations were unfounded.
Sall insisted that he had not been consulted prior to the release of the audit report and emphasized his lack of fear regarding any legal action against him or his former government. He stated, “I am not afraid of anything… Nothing prevents me from going to Senegal and I do not rule out returning there.” His comments reflect a steadfast conviction in the integrity of his administration despite the controversial findings of the audit.
In conclusion, Macky Sall has rejected the findings of a recent audit that criticized his administration’s handling of Senegal’s finances, labeling it a politically motivated attack. The audit disclosed significant discrepancies related to public debt and budget deficits, prompting the new government to consider legal repercussions. Despite the scrutiny, Sall remains defiant, asserting that his administration operated transparently and expressing readiness to face any legal challenges.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
