Gambiaj.com – (Dakar, Senegal) – Members of Senegal’s National Assembly have been summoned to a plenary session on Friday at 11 a.m. to examine the findings of an ad hoc commission tasked with assessing the request to lift the parliamentary immunity of Deputy Mouhamadou Ngom, widely known as Farba Ngom. The procedure stems from an ongoing investigation into a suspected money laundering network involving transactions valued at a provisional 125 billion CFA francs.
The commission, composed of 11 members—nine from the “Pastef Les Patriotes” parliamentary group, one from the opposition “Takku Wallu Senegal,” and one independent representative—recently concluded its hearings and submitted its findings for the Assembly’s consideration.
The request to lift Farba Ngom’s immunity was initiated by the Financial Prosecutor’s Office and communicated to the National Assembly by the Minister of Justice. This step is part of a broader investigation into alleged financial crimes, including money laundering, fraud involving public funds, and corruption. According to a press release from the Financial Judicial Pool, the investigation involves “sophisticated mechanisms” using shell companies to conduct suspicious transactions.
The probe follows reports submitted by Senegal’s National Financial Information Processing Unit (CENTIF), which identified significant irregularities. In line with Senegal’s anti-money laundering law, the Financial Prosecutor’s Office has proposed opening a judicial investigation into multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy and influence peddling.
Defense Pushback
Farba Ngom’s legal team has strongly condemned the process, labeling it politically motivated. At a press conference, his lawyer, Me Oumar Youm, accused authorities of targeting his client in an effort to stifle his political influence. “This is not just a criminal investigation; it is a deliberate attempt at financial and political asphyxiation,” Youm stated, referencing searches conducted on three of Ngom’s companies and his property in Diamniadio months before CENTIF’s reports reached the prosecution.
Youm, a former minister under President Macky Sall, criticized the Ministry of Justice for initiating the process rather than an independent judicial body, arguing this compromises the separation of powers and sets a dangerous precedent.
Fellow defense lawyer Me El Hadj Amadou Sall emphasized that Ngom was not given the opportunity to defend himself, as he was never summoned by police, prosecutors, or an investigative judge. “This is a blatant violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. Every citizen, regardless of status, deserves a fair process,” Sall said.
The defense team also pointed to political motivations behind the proceedings, alleging that Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and his supporters have openly opposed wealthy opposition figures like Ngom. They described the investigation as part of a broader campaign to suppress political dissent.
Political Implications
The case has sparked widespread debate in Senegal about judicial independence and the limits of executive influence in legal proceedings. Critics argue that the investigation risks undermining democratic principles if seen as a tool for political retribution.
The outcome of Friday’s plenary session will determine whether Farba Ngom can be prosecuted while serving as a deputy. A decision to lift his immunity would allow the Financial Prosecutor’s Office to proceed with its judicial investigation.
As the session approaches, the issue continues to stir controversy, highlighting the intersection of law, politics, and governance in Senegal.
