The affair of 94 billion FCFAwhich has been shaking the political and judicial spheres for years, is entering a decisive phase. As reported The Observerthe long-awaited hearings of the representatives of the Mbengue family will begin this Friday at noon before investigators from the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC).
This saga, one of the most resonant political-judicial cases in Senegal, has been at the heart of public debates since the explosive revelations of former MP Ousmane Sonko in 2019. Today, justice seems ready to lift the veil on decades of land conflicts, accusations of dispossession, and possible embezzlement.
A land battle that dates back to 1978
The case has its roots in a dispute between the heirs of late Ousmane Mbengueowners of the land title TF 1451/R in Rufisque, in Djily Mbayean influential marabout and businessman who died in 1991. Originally, this dispute concerned an area of 275 hectaresdont 267 hectares registered in the name of Mbengue and others.
But the issue took a national turn when Ousmane Sonko denounced an alleged spoliation orchestrated by senior state officials, to the detriment of a modest family. These accusations, targeting in particular two former officials of the Land Registry and Lands, Tahibou Ndiaye et Mamour Diallohave amplified the scope of this affair.
Disturbing revelations
As pointed out The Observerthe complaint filed by the lawyers of the Mbengue heirs in October 2024 with the financial prosecutor’s office is based on a damning report from the National Office for the Fight against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC). This document highlights massive embezzlement of funds carried out “without the knowledge of the heirs” with the alleged complicity of senior officials.
Furthermore, the complaint follows the decision rendered seven months earlier by the High Court of Dakarordering the cancellation of a pre-notation on the contested land title. A partial victory for the heirs, but which did not shed light on the use of huge sums, allegedly embezzled by third-party structures or individuals.
-Justice under pressure
With the entry of the DIC, the investigation accelerates. Friday, five agents of the Mbengue family will parade before the investigators to provide their version of the facts. But this is only a first step in a procedure that could involve many influential actors, including senior officials of the old regime, political figures and even religious leaders.
The 94 billion affair highlights disturbing practices in the management of land affairs in Senegal. Revelations about opaque transactions, alleged embezzlement, and the involvement of state figures raise questions about the transparency of institutions.
A file that divides public opinion
Since the first revelations, the affair has polarized public opinion. On the one hand, those who see Ousmane Sonko as a courageous whistleblower; on the other, those who denounce political manipulation.
Pour The Observerthe truth is getting closer, but gray areas remain: who are the real people responsible for these misappropriations? What political and financial interests are at stake? As justice prepares to dig deeper, this case could ultimately reshuffle the cards within the country’s economic and political spheres.
Case to follow closely.
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