The Criminal Court of Economic and Financial Crimes (CRIEF) in Guinea has initiated a preliminary investigation into the management of the National Youth Insertion Fund (FONIJ), following an order by Prosecutor General Alphonse Charles Wright. The probe, which spans 18 years, targets four current and former officials of the institution. According to reports from Mondemedia, the investigation was prompted by allegations of financial improprieties, including embezzlement of public funds, corruption, illicit enrichment, and complicity.
The four individuals under scrutiny are Mohamed Nabé, who served as Director General from 2008 to 2011; Ousmane Touré, an analyst who managed the fund from 2014 to 2019; Mariama Ciré Baldé, former Director General from 2019 to 2022; and Abdouramane Baldé, the current Director. The investigation will focus on several areas, including the low repayment rate of funds allocated between 2016 and 2019, and the management of the institution's budget, which stood at 5.15 billion Guinean francs in 2023.
The probe will examine several programs implemented by FONIJ, including the Grand Prix FONIJ, Lassiri, and Nexus initiatives. The Grand Prix FONIJ reportedly allocated 1.3 billion Guinean francs, while the Lassiri program aimed to train and empower 1,100 young girls, including financing for 100 micro-projects. The Nexus program, on the other hand, focused on supporting innovative and digital projects. Investigators will verify the existence of beneficiaries registered on the e-FONIJ platform, using their national identification numbers and phone contacts.
The investigation will also scrutinize the financial circuits of FONIJ, looking into potential overbilling, non-reimbursable international subsidies, and financial transactions with the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea (BCRG) and primary banks. The prosecutor has requested that investigators identify those responsible for disbursements, verify the regularity of procedures, and check for potential conflicts of interest involving FONIJ agents or their close associates.
To further the investigation, a requisition has been made to the National Cell for the Treatment of Financial Information (CENTIF), and an accounting expert has been engaged to conduct a forensic audit. Additionally, verifications will be carried out at various FONIJ branches. Established in 2007 and formalized by decree on July 29, 2010, FONIJ's mission is to support employment and professional insertion for young people in Guinea.
The investigation aims to shed light on the administrative and financial management of FONIJ since its inception. At this stage, the allegations made against the institution and its officials remain suspicions subject to verification. Those cited in the investigation are entitled to the presumption of innocence. The probe is expected to uncover potential wrongdoing and bring those responsible to justice.
The development has sparked concerns about the governance and accountability of state institutions in Guinea. The country's authorities have been working to strengthen transparency and combat corruption, particularly in the management of public funds. The outcome of the investigation will be closely watched by the public and may have implications for the country's efforts to promote good governance and accountability.
Key points
- The CRIEF investigation into FONIJ's management has targeted four current and former officials over alleged financial irregularities spanning 18 years.
- The probe will examine several FONIJ programs, including Grand Prix FONIJ, Lassiri, and Nexus, and verify the existence of beneficiaries registered on the e-FONIJ platform.
- The investigation aims to uncover potential wrongdoing and bring those responsible to justice, promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
