🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Former Minister Moustapha Diop released on bail in Force Covid-19 fund case
via SeneNews1 min read
Moustapha Diop, former minister and mayor of Louga, has been granted provisional release after over a year in pre-trial detention. The instruction commission of the High Court of Justice approved his release, subject to judicial supervision, following the payment of 120 million CFA francs in bail. Diop is implicated in the Force Covid-19 fund case, facing allegations of embezzling public funds totaling over 900 million CFA francs. He was placed under a committal order on May 22, 2025, following investigations prompted by the final report of the Court of Accounts. The case revolves around the management of funds allocated to his department during the Covid-19 pandemic. His ministry received 2.5 billion CFA francs for acquiring protective masks. The report indicates this sum was transferred from the Public Treasury to a commercial bank account and managed under irregular conditions. Specifically, a 250,000-mask order, valued at 930 million CFA francs, was reportedly paid in cash. The Court of Accounts document identifies Diop as the primary authorizing officer for payments, allegedly violating public fund management rules. His arrest followed the indictment of several other administrative officials from his former ministry, including the director of general administration and equipment, who is also involved in the same case.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Former French international Patrick Vieira, who has Senegalese roots, is reportedly a strong candidate to become the next coach of the Lions of Teranga. According to journalist Pape Ousmane Kassé of Match360, the former Arsenal midfielder has signaled his openness to the Senegalese Football Federation FSF regarding taking charge of the national team. Discussions between Vieira and the FSF are said to be well advanced, with only the approval of the country's highest authorities pending before a contract can be signed and his technical staff assembled. This potential move would mark a shift for Senegal, which has recently been led by locally trained coaches Aliou Cissé and Pape Thiaw, towards an expatriate coach. Vieira is currently unattached, having previously managed Genoa in Italy from November 2021 to November 2025 before being dismissed due to insufficient results. His recent coaching career also includes amicable departures from Strasbourg July 2023 – July 2024 following disagreements with management, and his dismissal from Crystal Palace in March 2023 after 18 months.
Waly Diouf Bodian, former Director General of the Autonomous Port of Dakar, has broken his silence following his dismissal by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Instead of discussing his departure from the Port, Bodian addressed Pastef militants on social media, urging them to mobilize for upcoming political events. He stated, "The steamroller is activated. From now on, we will not stop. Let everyone take their place in animation, massification, and communication activities. We are Pastef and no one can beat us in an election in this country. Today, the suburbs are the political center of gravity." This public statement, made after his replacement at the Autonomous Port of Dakar was decided during last Wednesday's Council of Ministers, demonstrates his continued commitment to Pastef and encourages militants to intensify grassroots efforts in mobilization, communication, and strengthening the party's base.
The World Championship semifinals on July 14 and 15 will feature France against Spain and England against Argentina, determining the two finalists. France, led by Kylian Mbappé, has won all its matches, scoring 16 goals, with Mbappé contributing eight. They defeated Senegal, Iraq, Norway, Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco. Spain has impressed with its offensive potential and strong defense, conceding only one goal in six matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Austria, Portugal, and Belgium. Historically, Spain has 18 wins against France's 13 in 38 encounters, including recent victories in the Euro 2024 semifinals and the 2025 Nations League. 1xBet gives France a slight advantage with odds of 2.48 for a win, 3.305 for a draw, and 3.225 for a Spain win. A French victory would mark their third consecutive World Championship final appearance, while Spain last reached the final in 2010. In the other semifinal, England, with key players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, who have scored 12 of their 13 goals, will face Argentina. England topped their group against Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, then beat DR Congo, Mexico, and Norway in the knockout stages. Argentina also easily advanced from their group, which included Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. However, their knockout matches have been challenging, requiring extra time against Cape Verde and Switzerland, and a comeback win against Egypt. England has won six of their 13 previous matches against Argentina, who have two wins, wit