Senegal: Government launches wide-scale audit of public institutions amid allegations of financial irregularities

Among the entities under audit are significant institutions such as the Railway Operations Company (Senter), the Energy Support Fund (FSE), the Fisheries License Allocation Commission, Air Senegal, the Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Major Works (Apix), and the Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) in Diass.

Also included are the Senegalese Refining Company (SAR), the National Lottery of Senegal (Lonase), and the Telecommunications and Post Regulatory Authority (ARTP).

Notably, funds allocated for press support, publishing support, and expenditures related to the 2022 World Cup (Qatar) and the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (Côte d’Ivoire) will undergo meticulous scrutiny.

“This marks the first wave of extensive financial audits to be conducted by the General Inspectors of State (IGE),” cautioned a source familiar with the matter, highlighting that these audits will build upon assessments conducted by various ministries as instructed by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.

Earlier directives from the Prime Minister required ministries to provide a comprehensive overview of their administrative and financial status by July 1st, including details on recruitments, contracts, and agreements with external service providers such as consultancy firms and media organizations.

The audits, mandated by Sonko, will cover the fiscal years 2022 through 2024, according to Le Témoin.

President Faye’s initiative comes amidst growing calls for transparency and accountability in public finances, with the audits expected to provide insights into the management practices and financial health of key public entities.

The outcome of these audits could potentially lead to reforms aimed at bolstering governance and restoring public trust in governmental institutions.