Moustapha Diop Faces New Legal Challenges in Senegal

Former minister Moustapha Diop is facing renewed legal scrutiny in Senegal, appearing before the Commission of Instruction of the High Court of Justice on February 26, 2026. This hearing comes amidst potential efforts by his legal team to seek provisional release, according to reports from Les Échos.

Background: Covid-19 Funds Investigation

Diop was initially indicted and placed under an arrest warrant on May 22, 2025, as part of an investigation into the management of funds allocated to combat the Covid-19 pandemic Seneweb. He is accused of criminal conspiracy, corruption, illegal taking of interests, embezzlement, and money laundering.

Charges and Allegations

The investigation centers around allegations of misuse of funds intended for the Covid-19 response. Specifically, concerns have been raised regarding a 2.5 billion CFA franc allocation for the acquisition of masks, as part of the Force Covid-19 fund Echos Senegal. Diop has maintained his innocence, claiming to be the victim of harassment and asserting that he simply followed instructions from the President of the Republic regarding the disbursement of funds and procurement of supplies.

Tabaski Ngom Case and Financial Judicial Pool

In addition to the Covid-19 fund investigation, Diop is also implicated in the Tabaski Ngom case, which involves allegations of fraud Seneweb. Despite an initial ruling by an investigating magistrate that Diop’s case fell under the jurisdiction of the High Court of Justice due to his former ministerial position, the Financial Indictment Chamber overturned this decision, arguing the Tabaski Ngom case was separate from his governmental duties. This led to his indictment and pretrial detention.

Recent Developments and Legal Strategy

The February 26th hearing before the High Court of Justice represents a significant step in the ongoing investigation. His legal team is reportedly preparing to submit a new request for provisional release following the hearing Seneweb.

High Court Confrontation

In November 2025, the Commission of Instruction of the High Court of Justice held a confrontation between Diop and three witnesses also implicated in the Force-Covid-19 fund case: his chauffeur, a manager, and a supplier Pulse.sn. These witnesses reportedly maintained their initial statements, potentially increasing pressure on the former minister.