In a recent parliamentary hearing, Elimane Pouye, the former Director-General of Senegal's SOGEPA state-owned property company, made serious allegations about the management of state property. He claimed that the Ministry of Finance is deliberately delaying the cancellation of what he termed "totally illegal" acts related to long-term leases, known as baux emphytéotiques. These leases allow private developers to use state land for extended periods. Pouye's statements have sparked concerns about the transparency and legality of these transactions.
One of the most notable cases involves a long-term lease granted to Focus Immobilier for a property in Mermoz. According to Pouye, the private company was supposed to take two-thirds of the property's value, with the state retaining the remaining third. An demolition permit was issued, and the building was subsequently demolished. However, SOGEPA later annulled the lease, citing non-compliance with conditions. The Ministry of Finance then took control of the land without authorization and transferred it to IBG, first under a lease and later through a definitive sale.
Pouye described this transaction as entirely illegal, arguing that the demolished building was state property and therefore under SOGEPA's jurisdiction. A similar pattern allegedly occurred with a building located at Point E, rue F. Pouye has since requested that the Ministry of Finance annul the lease and related decree, asserting that the property belongs to the state and cannot be sold without following legal procedures. However, he claims that the ministry is not taking action.
The hearing was part of the work of the second parliamentary inquiry commission. Pouye stated that President of the Republic is aware of the facts. His testimony is set to be followed by hearings with other key figures, including Yaya Abdoul Kane, former Director-General of AGPBE and SOGEPA SN, and Abdou Karim Fofana, also a former Director-General of AGPBE.
Pouye's allegations point to a broader issue of governance and oversight in the management of state property. The SOGEPA's role in managing and selling state assets is critical to the government's efforts to generate revenue and manage public resources. However, if these allegations are true, they suggest a significant lapse in regulatory oversight and potentially large-scale financial losses for the state.
The Ministry of Finance's response to these allegations has not been made public. However, Pouye's testimony has raised questions about the ministry's handling of state property transactions. The issue has implications for the government's efforts to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
The parliamentary inquiry commission's work is ongoing, with further hearings scheduled. The outcome of these hearings and any subsequent actions taken by the government will be closely watched by the public and stakeholders. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of state property in Senegal.
Key points
- Former SOGEPA head Elimane Pouye alleges that the Ministry of Finance is deliberately delaying the cancellation of "totally illegal" acts related to long-term leases of state property.
- One of the most notable cases involves a long-term lease granted to Focus Immobilier for a property in Mermoz, which was subsequently demolished and transferred to IBG.
- The parliamentary inquiry commission's work is ongoing, with further hearings scheduled to investigate the allegations.
