According to Voice Of America,
Senegal has removed a special prosecutor from a highly publicized trial
pitting the Senegalese state against Karim Wade (who was former interior minister and son of former
president, Abdoulaye Wade, has been defending himself against
allegations that he had illegally acquired $240 million in offshore
investments and foreign bank accounts)
Special prosecutor Alioune Ndao was relieved of his duties on Tuesday despite leading the prosecution’s case against the former interior minister since 2012. Various media have reported that Ndao received news of his removal via text and during trial session with Wade. Ndao will be replaced by Cheikh Tidiane Mara. Although no official reason was given for Ndao’s removal, sources have speculated that Ndao’s investigation was beginning to threaten other officials, not previously under investigation.
Karim Wade, who was former interior minister and son of former president, Abdoulaye Wade, has been defending himself against allegations that he had illegally acquired $240 million in offshore investments and foreign bank accounts. Government lawyers are insisting that Karim Wade must inform the court how he acquired the monies and investments, whereas Wade’s defense team argues that the prosecution’s approach assumes that there client is already guilty.
Wade’s case, which was once seen as proof the nation was finally charting a different course towards transparency and official accountability, is now mired in controversy with Ndao’s sacking.
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