Sonko launches probe into 2 billion FCFA in alleged misuse of education funds

With unrelenting determination, the parliamentary bloc led by Ousmane Sonko is diving deep into the troubled waters of the « One Student, One Laptop » program. The investigation aims to uncover financial irregularities and potential embezzlement involving billions of FCFA in public funds.

Parliamentary commission targets mismanagement in education technology program

The Pastef-Les Patriotes parliamentary group, spearheaded by National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko, has initiated a parliamentary commission of inquiry. This move targets alleged financial misconduct in the « One Student, One Laptop » program, administered by the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation (Mesri) since 2017.

The probe follows accusations of procedural violations, including the absence of competitive bidding for contracts exceeding 50 million FCFA, failure to involve the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Dcmp), and lack of ministerial approval for contracts exceeding 300 million FCFA. These irregularities, the group argues, have led to financial losses and potential embezzlement.

Probing the missing 2 billion FCFA and beyond

The investigation has uncovered startling details, including a 2 billion FCFA guarantee fund deposited with Ecobank without clear documentation regarding its origin, management, or utilization. Additionally, 13 bank accounts linked to the program were identified, despite official records showing only three.

The commission also highlights:

• A stockpile of 800 unused computers stored at Cheikh Anta Diop University (Ucad), many of which are defective.
• Unverified disbursements totaling 864.8 million FCFA across the 13 accounts.
• Payments made in 2023 to an intermediary company not legally contracted by the State, resulting in a 1.25 billion FCFA fine against the government for duplicate payments.

Who falls under the microscope?

The inquiry targets key figures in the program’s implementation, including:

• Former and current ministers of Higher Education and Finance.
• Directors and heads of departments within the Mesri and Ministry of Finance.
• Officials from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (Arcop) and the Central Directorate for Public Procurement (Dcmp).
• University administrators and financial institutions involved in fund management.

The commission’s goal is to establish accountability for the alleged mismanagement of public funds and restore transparency in the program’s operations.