In a recent development, Yaya Abdoul KANE, the former general director of the Société de gestion du patrimoine bâti de l’État (Sogepa), has reportedly made amends with Serigne Bassirou GUEYE, the former prosecutor of Dakar, over a lease controversy. The issue revolves around a emphytéotique lease granted to GUEYE for a villa at Point E in Dakar. According to L'Observateur, KANE reached out to GUEYE following his statements before a parliamentary inquiry commission on state-owned property.
The controversy began after KANE's statements before the parliamentary commission, which led to a categorical denial from GUEYE. However, the two men have since reestablished communication. During their phone conversation, KANE reportedly expressed regret over the tone of his testimony and advised GUEYE not to react hastily to the matter. KANE also assured GUEYE that he had nothing to be reproached for regarding the acquisition of the villa.
KANDEfended the legality of the lease, citing a 2013 decree that authorized Sogepa to grant leases. He claimed that GUEYE's lease was perfectly legal and even compared it to leases granted to Fayçal, which were signed but not approved. KANE also clarified his previous statements, stating that he only mentioned one villa at Point E, not two houses.
According to KANE, the villa in question was not part of the state's known property at the time. He claimed to have discovered it during his investigations, and it was in a state of disrepair. The villa was proposed to GUEYE after the recovery of his official residence, which was located near the presidential palace.
The official residence was reportedly recovered for security reasons or other motives, and the authorities requested Sogepa to find an alternative villa for GUEYE. Initially, Sogepa indicated that no housing was available, leading to a convention for a private building. The villa at Point E was identified and proposed to GUEYE for his approval and rehabilitation.
These explanations form the version defended by KANE, amidst a controversy surrounding the management and attribution of state-owned property. The parliamentary inquiry commission is currently examining the matter. At this stage, KANE's statements do not definitively establish the legal regularity of the lease.
The case highlights the complexities surrounding state property management in Senegal. While KANE's statements provide insight into the circumstances surrounding the lease, the regularity of the lease remains subject to examination of the applicable acts and procedures. The developments in this case will likely be closely watched by stakeholders.
Key points
- Yaya Abdoul KANE and Serigne Bassirou GUEYE in talks over lease controversy
- KANE defends legality of lease, citing 2013 decree
- Controversy surrounding state property management continues
