Former Senegalese University Director to Face Trial Over Alleged Misuse of Funds

Cheikh Oumar ANNE, the former director of the Centre des Œuvres Universitaires de Dakar (COUD), is set to appear before the correctional court on February 4, 2027. He faces allegations of embezzlement of public funds during his time at the institution. According to reports from the Senegalese newspaper Les Échos, the case stems from a damning report by the Office national de lutte contre la fraude et la corruption (OFNAC) covering the period 2014-2015.

The OFNAC report highlighted serious administrative and financial irregularities during ANNE's tenure. One notable finding was the sale of decommissioned materials, which yielded 150,161,720 F CFA. However, only 59,391,480 F CFA was returned to COUD, with the remainder covering expenses deemed unjustifiable, including non-payment of VAT and registration fees to the Treasury.

The report also revealed that over 454 million F CFA in subsidies were awarded in 2014 and 2015 without following regulatory procedures. This included large disbursements without identified beneficiaries or supporting documents. Furthermore, 89 million F CFA was committed through post-event subsidy decisions, without receipts for purchased goods, which included clothing and accessories that could not be found.

In addition to these financial irregularities, the investigation uncovered the recruitment and payment of salaries to an agent who had died in a traffic accident in late 2014. The OFNAC report also noted the obstructive behavior of the COUD management at the time, including intimidation of staff and attempts to hinder the investigators' work.

The case against ANNE and others involved is based on findings that suggest a pattern of mismanagement and potential corruption during his leadership of COUD. The allegations include misuse of funds, irregular awarding of subsidies, and failure to follow proper procedures in financial transactions.

ANNE's appearance in court marks a significant step in addressing concerns about governance and accountability within Senegal's public institutions. The trial is expected to shed light on the extent of the alleged mismanagement and determine appropriate actions.

The case has been making its way through the judicial system, with Liboire SAGNA reporting on the developments. As the trial approaches, there is anticipation about the outcome and its implications for future management of public funds in Senegal.

Key points

• Cheikh Oumar ANNE faces trial for alleged embezzlement of public funds during his tenure as COUD director.
• The OFNAC report highlighted serious financial and administrative irregularities during ANNE's management.
• The trial is set to begin on February 4, 2027, at the correctional court.