The Bureau du Vérificateur Général (BVG) of Mali has conducted a financial audit of the country's embassy in Cairo, covering the period from 2022 to March 31, 2026. The audit revealed significant financial irregularities totaling 625,938,181 FCFA. The irregularities include non-reversal of exchange gains, fictitious expenses, undue expenses, and undue benefits to staff. The BVG's audit aimed to verify the regularity and sincerity of the embassy's financial operations.
The audit found that the embassy's ambassador and secretary-accountant made unauthorized payments to staff, including 8,648,172 FCFA in benefits. They also made undue expenses, including payments of 26,349,695 FCFA for hours worked and guard services. Furthermore, the audit discovered fictitious expenses, including 222,317,960 FCFA in rental payments and school fees. These expenses were not supported by legitimate documents or contracts.
The BVG's audit also revealed that the embassy failed to reverse exchange gains, amounting to 361,066,488 FCFA. Additionally, the embassy's accountant failed to account for 3,810,667 FCFA in revenue. The audit also found that the embassy sold visas and fiscal stamps at lower prices than the regulated rates, resulting in a loss of 667,199 FCFA.
The audit report noted that the ambassador and secretary-accountant made payments to staff without a legal basis. They paid for internet subscriptions and telephone recharge cards for staff, totaling 8,648,172 FCFA. The audit also found that the ambassador and secretary-accountant made payments for services not rendered, including 3,025,568 FCFA for guard services.
The BVG's audit identified several instances of fictitious expenses, including payments for rental fees, school fees, and other expenses. The audit found that the embassy paid 51,190,829 FCFA in excess of the contracted rent. The embassy also paid 21,962,190 FCFA in fictitious rental fees for an apartment occupied by a staff member.
The audit report highlighted several key issues, including the lack of documentation and authorization for expenses. The BVG's report will be transmitted to the relevant authorities for further action. The embassy's ambassador, Boubacar Diallo, is currently serving in Kigali, Rwanda.
The BVG's audit of the Mali embassy in Cairo highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The audit's findings will help to identify areas for improvement and prevent similar irregularities in the future.
Key points
- - The Mali embassy in Cairo has been found to have 625.9 million FCFA in financial irregularities. - The irregularities include non-reversal of exchange gains, fictitious expenses, undue expenses, and undue benefits to staff. - The BVG's audit report will be transmitted to the relevant authorities for further action.
