MP Guy Marius Sagna believes that « all those whose management of public funds is under investigation should be banned from leaving the country, especially in a context where some have already fled. » The MP, whose comments were reported by Seneweb, maintains that « this measure guarantees the proper conduct of legal proceedings. »

However, Mr. Sagna clarified that « this ban must scrupulously respect the rights of the individuals concerned. » Continuing his remarks, he added that « no one should learn of an exit ban at the airport or in the press. » The MP lamented: « Respect for the rule of law requires that any measure restricting a fundamental freedom be formally notified to the person concerned. It is unacceptable for the government to wait for a citizen to submit a complaint before applying the law. » In the same vein, he stated that « refusing to comply is arbitrary and weakens judicial authority. »

Lawyer Doudou Ndoye on Amnesty Law: «The Interpretative Law does not exist»

Citing the recent Supreme Court order in favour of former minister Mansour Faye, Guy Marius Sagna notes that it « reminds us that the rule of law cannot be flexible. Even those suspected of serious violations must benefit from legal protections. » « This is the hallmark of a mature democracy, » he argued. Denouncing these practices, Mr. Sagna speaks of a « waste of government energy » in managing these issues, and calls for greater rigor and transparency. This statement by MP Guy Marius Sagna, who is part of the parliamentary group of the Pastef majority, comes at a time when several authorities of the former regime and businessmen are stopped from leaving the country via the airport.

Former Minister Mansour Faye continues to face this situation, despite the decision handed down by the Supreme Court’s interim relief judge on March 28, ordering the Minister of the Interior to lift the restrictions imposed on him. He had also demanded that the Air and Border Police (Paf) allow the mayor of Saint-Louis to move freely. This injunction was confirmed by an order received on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, explicitly requiring the Ministry of the Interior to justify any restriction on his freedom of movement. Mansour Faye is not alone in this situation. 

Encouraging our national captains

Yesterday, the news website PressAfrik revealed that Mamadou Racine Sy, mayor of Podor and vice-president of the National Employers’ Council (CNP), was denied boarding on the night of April 12. According to the source, he was due to travel to Morocco to sign a cooperation agreement between the cities of Meknes and Podor. The news website reports that part of the Senegalese delegation is already in Morocco. The person concerned, according to the same source, attributes this incident to a « technical problem » rather than an official ban.

PressAfrik also points out that the businessman recently travelled to Paris without incident.
By Dieynaba KANE / dkane@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH