Senegal’s Parliament Moves to Lift Immunity of Farba Ngom Amid Billion-Franc Scandal

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Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – The Senegalese Minister of Justice, Ousmane Diagne, has officially requested the Speaker of the National Assembly, El Malick Ndiaye, to initiate proceedings to lift the parliamentary immunity of Farba Ngom, a prominent political figure and former close ally of ex-President Macky Sall. Ngom, the deputy mayor of Agnams, stands accused of embezzling over one billion CFA francs and engaging in extensive money laundering schemes.

The Justice Minister’s request, sent last Friday, January 10, outlines allegations of financial misconduct involving the creation of shell companies used for suspicious transactions amounting to more than 125 billion CFA francs. Additionally, investigators claim there are unjustified financial flows between Ngom’s personal accounts, those of his relatives, and partner companies.

Parliamentary Procedures Underway

In response, Speaker El Malick Ndiaye has convened a meeting of the parliament’s executive body this Tuesday, paving the way for the formation of an ad hoc committee on Friday. The committee, consisting of 11 members, will oversee the legal and procedural aspects of lifting Ngom’s immunity. According to Parliamentarian Amadou Ba of the Pastef party, the committee’s composition will include nine deputies from Pastef, one from Takku Wallu, and one from the non-registered group.

The plenary session scheduled for Friday, January 17, will not directly decide on lifting Ngom’s immunity. Instead, it will vote on the ratification of the ad hoc committee members. Only after this step will the committee begin its investigation into the allegations, which will include the option to hear directly from Ngom or a representative he designates.

Legal and Political Implications

Amadou Ba emphasized that the procedure is designed to ensure due process, denying accusations of a “fast track” to fulfill political orders. He explained, “The ad hoc committee will determine its timetable, examine the request, and evaluate the charges before submitting its conclusions to the plenary session for a final decision.

This development represents a significant moment in Senegalese politics, as it marks a departure from traditional impunity often granted to high-ranking political figures. The case also casts a spotlight on the growing demands for accountability and transparency in the country’s governance.

The ad hoc committee’s investigation and subsequent plenary decision will determine whether Farba Ngom’s immunity is lifted, enabling him to face formal legal proceedings. Observers are keenly watching the case, given its potential implications for Senegal’s political and legal landscape.

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