Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Samuel Sarr, a prominent Senegalese businessman and former Energy Minister, was arrested on Friday evening at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) upon his return from an overseas trip. Sarr, who also previously served as the Director General of Senegal’s national electricity company (SENELEC), was taken into custody by AIBD police in connection with an alleged embezzlement case involving 8 billion FCFA.

The allegations relate to West African Energy, a consortium in which SENELEC holds a 15% stake, where Sarr serves as Director General. The consortium is central to Senegal’s power production and distribution, making the case particularly significant given the nation’s reliance on energy infrastructure for its development goals.

Sarr, who has Gambian maternal roots, has faced scrutiny in the past. His name surfaced during the 2018 Janneh Commission of Inquiry in The Gambia, which investigated allegations of crude oil mismanagement under former President Yahya Jammeh.

The inquiry also highlighted Sarr’s role in a fuel supply contract between his company, Gampower, and the Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC).

More recently, Sarr was embroiled in controversy after Le Témoin, a Senegalese daily newspaper, reported his inclusion on a list of 300 high-profile figures allegedly barred from leaving Senegal due to connections with President Macky Sall’s regime.

Sarr, however, denied these claims through an associate, who stated that Sarr had traveled abroad without restrictions and threatened legal action against those perpetuating the allegations.

Following his arrest, Sarr was transferred to the Gendarmerie’s Colobane Research Section (SR) for further investigation into the alleged embezzlement.

His detention marks the latest development in a high-stakes financial scandal that could have broader implications for Senegal’s energy sector and governance practices.

Authorities have yet to disclose further details about the investigation or Sarr’s potential charges, as the nation awaits clarity on the accusations leveled against the former minister.