Long-Running Dispute Raises Questions of Justice in Senegal
DAKAR, Senegal – A 17-year legal battle between Senegalese businessman Bocar Samba Dièye and the CBAO bank, involving 7.166 billion CFA francs (approximately $12.1 million USD), is sparking concerns about the independence of the Senegalese judicial system. Despite a court-appointed expert report confirming irregularities and recommending restitution, rulings have consistently favored the bank, leading to accusations of injustice and a potential “bankruptcy of confidence” in the courts, according to the Dièye family.
The dispute centers on allegations of exorbitant interest rates (“agios”) and the alleged misappropriation of 5.6 billion CFA francs, which DièyeS supporters claim never existed. Dakaractu.com reports that the expert report, commissioned by the court itself, validated these concerns and advised the return of the disputed funds.
However, Senegalese courts have continued to rule in CBAO’s favor, prompting appeals to the highest court, the Cour de Cassation. The case now risks the seizure of Dièye’s assets.
“We have transmitted all the evidence, but we have received no response,” lamented Famara Ibrahima Cissé, president of Acsif, during a recent press conference. Cissé directly appealed to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and several ministers for intervention,requesting a meeting for Dièye to present his case and explain “how it was unjustly fought.”
The prolonged legal struggle has ignited a broader debate about the ability of the Senegalese state to protect its citizens against the influence of powerful financial institutions, especially when expert legal opinions are seemingly disregarded. The outcome of the case at the Cour de Cassation will be closely watched as a potential test of judicial impartiality in Senegal.
