Former Minister Ndéye Saly Dieng Acquitted in Covid-19 Funds Case

Dakar, Senegal – The High Court of Justice in Senegal has acquitted Ndéye Saly Dieng, the former Minister of Women, Family, Gender and Child Protection, of charges related to the alleged embezzlement of Covid-19 funds. The decision, reached under the leadership of Abdoulaye Ba, First President of the Dakar Court of Appeal, was officially notified to her legal team on March 3, 2026.

Investigation and Charges

Dieng was initially indicted and placed under judicial supervision on May 19, 2025, accused of misappropriating 52 million FCFA (approximately $85,000 USD based on current exchange rates) intended for Covid-19 relief efforts. She subsequently deposited 57 million FCFA (approximately $94,000 USD) as provisional release.

High Court of Justice Rulings

This ruling marks the third dismissal issued by the High Court of Justice’s investigating committee concerning the management of Covid-19 funds. On January 7, 2026, the committee had already definitively resolved the cases of former ministers Aïssatou Sophie Gladima and Ismaïla Madior Fall, referring them to the trial court. Seneweb reports that of the five initial cases opened following indictments, three have now been definitively resolved.

Ongoing Cases

The cases of former ministers Moustapha Diop and Mansour Faye remain under investigation. Faye is currently provisionally released, while Diop remains in detention.

New Indictments

The High Court of Justice is also addressing new cases. Following a request from Minister of Justice Yacine Fall, the National Assembly initiated proceedings against former ministers Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr and Moussa Bocar Thiam on February 10, 2026. The session concerning Diouf Sarr was postponed for additional documentation, but the indictment of Moussa Bocar Thiam was adopted on February 27, 2026, with charges including criminal conspiracy, embezzlement of public funds, and money laundering related to the “Senegal Connect Park” project. Seneweb indicates the National Assembly will forward the file to the Attorney General at the Supreme Court for referral to the appropriate investigating committee.

Recent Legal Developments

Separately, Modou Fall Yobal, a columnist for Sen TV, was arrested and imprisoned on February 12, 2026, for allegedly spreading false news related to the death of student Abdoulaye Ba at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD). Seneweb reports his lawyer, Me Elhadji Diouf, is contesting the arrest.