Three former ministers from President Macky Sall’s administration are under judicial scrutiny over controversial payments linked to the French steel giant Arcelor Mittal, reigniting debates over budget transparency in Senegal.
The investigation, launched in Dakar, centers on payments estimated at $140 million related to the settlement of a longstanding dispute between the French government and Arcelor Mittal.
Authorities are probing whether the funds, originally agreed at 37.5 billion CFA francs, were unlawfully increased to over 78 billion CFA francs and diverted outside public accounts.
Former Minister of Mines Aly Ngouille Ndiaye was the first to be summoned on Wednesday to clarify his role in signing the payment protocol with the steelmaker. The judicial process, which targets alleged criminal conspiracy, corruption, money laundering, and fraud, aims to uncover the full scope of financial irregularities and could lead to a broader report from supervisory authorities.
Two other former officials are also expected to face questioning: Birima Mangara, former Minister Delegate for the Budget, and Amadou Bâ, who served as Minister of Economy and Finance before becoming Prime Minister and later a 2024 presidential candidate.
Each of the officials holds a prominent place in Senegal’s recent political and economic history. Aly Ngouille Ndiaye, an engineer by training, previously headed the Interior and Agriculture ministries and has pursued presidential ambitions. Birima Mangara, a financial inspector, is recognised for his budgetary management experience. Amadou Bâ, a tax expert, has played a key role in shaping the country’s economic and diplomatic policies.
The hearings are expected to examine the legality of the financial commitments these ministers signed and assess whether proper procedures were followed under Senegalese law.
Legal analysts say the outcome could set a precedent for financial accountability in the country and signal a stronger push against opaque practices in state transactions.
As Senegalese authorities continue their inquiry, public attention remains focused on ensuring transparency and the proper management of public funds in high-profile international agreements.
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