The Senegal judicial system has reached a critical milestone in its investigation of a 45 billion CFA francs arms market contract signed during former President Macky Sall’s tenure. Two individuals have been remanded in custody in Dakar following a complaint filed by the Agence judiciaire de l’État (AJE), an agency tasked with protecting the public patrimony of the Senegalese government. This case, now among the most scrutinized by the new administration, underscores its commitment to thoroughly audit strategic contracts inherited from the previous regime.
State judicial agency drives the legal proceedings
The AJE has taken a leading role in this procedural move, its authority significantly expanded since the inauguration of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko in 2024. As a branch of the Ministry of Finance, the agency serves as the state’s legal enforcer to recover public funds deemed improperly allocated or misappropriated. By initiating legal action, it triggered a judicial inquiry and the summoning of key figures involved in the contract’s execution.
After concluding this phase, two suspects were detained, indicating that prosecutors found sufficient evidence to warrant provisional custody. The 45 billion CFA francs—approximately 69 million euros—makes this one of the most substantial financial disputes addressed by Senegal’s judiciary in recent months. Since the 2024 publication of a Cour des comptes report highlighting prior budgetary irregularities, the current administration has intensified its pursuit of such cases.
An arms purchase contract signed under Macky Sall
The disputed contract pertains to the acquisition of defense and security equipment by Senegal’s armed forces. Finalized during Macky Sall’s presidency (2012–2024), it reflects a period of heightened security spending amid the deteriorating Sahelian context and ongoing military operations, particularly in the Casamance region. Several arms procurement deals were executed under emergency procedures, shielded by national security classifications and thus exempt from standard parliamentary oversight.
The current investigation is focused on verifying the legitimacy of deliveries, comparing unit prices to global benchmarks, and examining potential overbilling or hidden commissions. Prosecutors will determine whether any portion of the 45 billion CFA francs was diverted from its intended use or if intermediaries profited from non-market margins.
Political implications and diplomatic considerations
Beyond its legal dimensions, this case carries significant political weight. The government of Ousmane Sonko has prioritized accountability, with detentions of former officials tied to past public contracts—including those in oil, infrastructure, and land sectors—reinforcing a narrative of systemic reform.
The arms deal investigation presents unique challenges, as suppliers are often foreign companies, sometimes linked to state-backed entities. This raises the complexity of international judicial cooperation. Dakar must balance its transparency demands with maintaining vital military partnerships, whether with France—currently recalibrating its engagement—or newer collaborations with Turkey, Israel, and Gulf nations.
The identities of the detained individuals and the court’s timeline remain undisclosed. Given the complexity of financial records and potential cross-border evidence requests, the investigation may span several months or longer. Prosecutors are now advancing into the deep-dive phase of their inquiry.
