Financial Crime Cases Rock Senegal as Anti-Covid Funds Embezzled
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A damning report by Senegal’s Court of Auditors has revealed widespread mismanagement and criminal offenses in the handling of anti-covid funds, sparking calls for a judicial investigation against at least ten officials.
Widespread Mismanagement and Corruption
The audit found that over 740 billion CFA francs (over 1.1 billion euros) allocated to the “Response Fund against the effects of Covid-19” were siphoned off through embezzlement and corruption.
Egregious Examples
- Overbilling of 2.7 billion CFA francs (4 million euros) on the price of rice distributed to vulnerable populations during lockdowns.
- Cash payments to suppliers amounting to 2.5 billion CFA francs (3.8 million euros), despite regulations requiring state expenses be paid via check or bank transfer.
Aid and Assistance Programs Riddled with Irregularities
The report also found that aid and assistance programs for families were riddled with irregularities, including instances where individuals with identical information received aid multiple times for different amounts.
Intended Purpose of the Fund
The fund, established by President Macky Sall, was intended to bolster the country’s healthcare system, support households, and maintain essential supplies.
Similar Allegations in Sub-Saharan Africa
This scandal is just the latest in a string of financial mismanagement cases linked to the Covid-19 pandemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with similar allegations surfacing in:
- Cameroon
- Guinea
- South Africa