A sweeping parliamentary investigation has been launched to uncover financial discrepancies in the government’s laptop distribution initiative for students.

Parliamentary inquiry targets suspected financial malpractice in Senegal’s education program

The National Assembly’s Pastef-Les Patriotes group is spearheading a comprehensive probe into what they describe as serious irregularities in the procurement and execution of contracts for the « One Student, One Laptop » program. The investigation aims to trace missing funds and restore transparency to a scheme that has consumed over 48 billion FCFA since its 2017 inception.

Spearheaded by Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, the inquiry follows allegations of unauthorized fund transfers, lack of competitive bidding, and potential embezzlement. The program, meant to equip students with technology, has allegedly operated outside legal procurement frameworks, with multiple violations of Senegal’s public procurement code.

Key findings and alleged violations

The investigation has uncovered several critical irregularities:

• Illegal fund transfers: Nearly 1.25 billion FCFA was allegedly paid twice to contractors due to procedural failures, while over 1 billion FCFA may have been embezzled through unauthorized transactions.
• Undocumented bank accounts: Thirteen accounts were reportedly used for program funds, far exceeding the three mentioned in official documentation, with 864 million FCFA in unaccounted balances.
• Undeployed equipment: Approximately 800 laptops remain in storage at Cheikh Anta Diop University, purchased with public funds but never distributed to students.
• Missing contracts: No valid agreements were found for the 2023 fiscal year, despite payments totaling 1.45 billion FCFA to a non-contracting intermediary.

Scope of the investigation

The probe will examine the roles of ministers, directors, and public officials from multiple institutions, including:

• The Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation
• The Ministry of Finance and Budget
• The General Directorate of Higher Education
• The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority
• Financial institutions involved in fund transfers

Financial mismanagement allegations extend beyond procurement

In addition to procurement violations, investigators are scrutinizing a 2 billion FCFA guarantee fund deposited at Ecobank, with no clear documentation regarding its origin, management, or purpose. The fund’s existence raises concerns about improper financial practices under the program.

Ousmane Sonko and his colleagues argue that these irregularities represent a systemic failure in financial oversight, potentially costing the state billions while depriving students of promised resources. The inquiry seeks to hold accountable all individuals and entities involved in the program’s administration since 2017.

The investigation comes at a time of heightened political tensions in Senegal, with Sonko positioning himself as a champion of transparency. The outcome could have significant implications for public trust in government programs and the future of higher education funding in the country.