
The Indictment Chamber of the Dakar Court of Appeal has confirmed the dismissal of charges against several individuals involved in the Covid funds case. This decision rejects the public prosecutor's appeal, aligning with the investigating judge's initial ruling. Moustapha Ndiaye, Ryan Hachem, Mouhamed Dieng, and Aliou Sow, who were accused of complicity in the embezzlement of public funds and forgery, have benefited from this confirmation. The public prosecutor had sought to refer them to a trial court, but this attempt was unsuccessful. This ruling effectively ends the prosecution against these individuals at this stage. The decision also indirectly affects Mansour Faye, who was implicated as the alleged principal perpetrator. Currently on provisional release, the framework of the prosecution against him evolves given that the accusations against his alleged accomplices have not been upheld by the appellate court. The Covid funds case concerns the management of resources mobilized during the pandemic and has garnered significant public and judicial attention, involving suspicions of embezzlement and documentary irregularities. This decision by the Dakar Court of Appeal marks a significant step, confirming the investigating judge's stance on the insufficient evidence against the individuals concerned, while leaving open potential future developments for other parties in the case.
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Waly Diouf Bodian has been removed from his position as Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar, effective July 16, 2026. He has been replaced by Doune Path茅 Mbengue, a civil administrator and Mayor of Camb茅r猫ne. The decision was made by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye as part of new appointments across several public institutions. Bodian, a historical activist of Pastef and a staunch supporter of Ousmane Sonko, was appointed to the role on April 24, 2024, less than a month after President Faye took office. His appointment was seen as aligning with the new administration's goal of placing individuals associated with the reform agenda of Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko into strategic state structures. Bodian, a principal inspector of Taxes and Domains and former secretary general of the autonomous union of tax and domain agents, had significant activist capital, having supported Pastef during its opposition years and faced arrest. His close ties to Ousmane Sonko, which facilitated his initial appointment, later became a point of vulnerability. Following Ousmane Sonko's removal from the Prime Minister's office in May 2026, Bodian publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to Sonko and Pastef, stating that his supporters would accompany Sonko to the presidential palace in 2029. He also indicated that any departure from his post would require collective consultation within Pastef, highlighting a growing political incompatibility with the executive.
Must ReadFormer President Macky Sall is expected in Dakar on Friday, July 17, for a visit during which he will seek the support of his successor, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, for his candidacy for the position of United Nations Secretary-General. Souleymane Jules Diop, a former minister and international strategy analyst, emphasized the importance of this candidacy for Senegal. Speaking on the TFM program Infos Matin, Diop stated that while Sall has a moral debt to his political party, the focus should now be on Senegal's international standing. He believes that differences should be set aside to support Sall's bid, as it would be a source of national pride for a Senegalese to lead the UN. Addressing opposition from some members of Pastef and human rights associations regarding alleged violations during Sall's presidency, Diop drew parallels to past incidents in the United States and under previous Senegalese presidents, arguing that such events did not preclude their return or participation in public life. He expressed sadness over the loss of life but stressed the need to prevent future occurrences.

The recent replacement of Waly Diouf Bodiang by Doune Path茅 Mbengue as Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar PAD has prompted calls for reform from human rights advocate Alioune Tine. Tine argues that appointments to strategic state positions, particularly at the Port of Dakar, should not be based on political considerations. He emphasizes that the Port is vital to the national economy and operates in a competitive regional environment. Tine, founder of Afrikajom Center, warns that politically appointed directors face instability, being vulnerable to removal with each change in presidential administration. He advocates for a system of open calls for applications for such critical roles to ensure stable governance and long-term development for the Port.