Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In Senegal, a series of high-profile arrests and hearings involving figures from the former regime of President Macky Sall have begun, stirring diverse reactions and media interpretations. While some observers view these developments as the start of a long-awaited accountability process, others believe that these actions are merely the precursor to a broader campaign as announced weeks ago by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s administration.

Among the key individuals taken into custody is former Minister of Sports, Lat Diop, who was also the former General Director of the national betting company (Lonase). His arrest by the Criminal Investigation Division (Dic) is linked to an old corruption case involving several billion CFA francs received during his tenure at Lonase.

The investigation began after Mouhamed Dieng, former director of 1Xbet Senegal, alleged that he had handed over approximately 7 billion francs to Diop in multiple transactions.

Another notable arrest is that of Jérôme Bandiaky, a security agent closely tied to President Macky Sall’s former regime. Bandiaky has been embroiled in a range of controversies, including the case involving Adjie Sarr and Ousmane Sonko, the disappearance of Gendarme Didier Badji and soldier Fulbert Sambou, and his involvement in the suppression of pro-Sonko demonstrators.

Further compounding his legal troubles, Bandiaky was found in possession of unauthorized firearms and a fraudulent diplomatic passport. He has been charged with fraud, illegal possession of firearms, and impersonation, and his case is now the subject of a judicial investigation.

Businessmen have also been caught in the crosshairs of the Dic investigations. Abdoulaye Sylla, accused of smuggling 2,700 kilograms of gold out of Senegal in a private jet, is under scrutiny for allegedly using documents purportedly signed by the presidency to facilitate the operation.

Sylla denies the accusations and has filed a complaint for forgery against those he claims fabricated the documents used against him. Similarly, Demba Diop, alias Diop Sy, the mayor of Tivaouane, is facing questioning over a personal dispute involving dump trucks, a case dating back to 2019.

Despite the media frenzy surrounding these cases, insiders suggest that these arrests are only preliminary actions, addressing routine cases that had been sidelined under Macky Sall’s leadership. The General Prosecutor’s Office is reportedly clearing these cases in preparation for what is expected to be a more intense and far-reaching drive.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has indicated that more significant investigations into former regime officials are on the horizon.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office and the Judicial Financial Pool (Pjf) are gearing up to issue a series of summonses and arrest warrants, particularly in connection with audits conducted by the General State Inspectorate (Ige), the Court of Auditors, and the National Office Against Fraud and Corruption (Ofnac).

The individuals most at risk in these future probes are former ministers, business executives, senior civil servants, and directors of national companies, many of whom managed public funds during Macky Sall’s tenure.

The arrests of Lat Diop, Jérôme Bandiaky, Abdoulaye Sylla, and Diop Sy are thus viewed as minor precursors to the major legal battles that lie ahead.

As Senegal braces for this extensive crackdown on corruption, many are waiting to see whether the promised accountability will lead to meaningful changes in the country’s governance or whether the high expectations will fade amid political maneuvering and delays.

For now, the arrests signal the beginning of what could be a watershed moment for justice and transparency in Senegal.