A controversial contract worth 71 billion FCFA between Senegal's Ministry of Health and ACD has raised concerns about transparency and financial integrity.
The contract was approved by the Ministry of Finance and Budget without the necessary financial backing, leading to an investigation by the Financial Prosecutor's Office. There are suspicions that the contract may be one of several hidden agreements contributing to the country's escalating debt.
Reports suggest that the contract may involve an alleged overbilling of 20 billion FCFA, leading to appeals from the medical equipment suppliers' collective to annul or set aside the contract. However, these appeals have been dismissed by the court, despite critical statements from the German bank KFW, which claimed it had never financed the contract.
The contract grants a monopoly to ACD, which has raised concerns about exorbitant maintenance costs and consumables for the Senegalese state.
There are also allegations of forgery and fraudulent maneuvering, as the two ministers involved utilized a financing proposal from KFW to facilitate the contract's approval. The investigation is uncovering indications of manipulation and potential corruption within the government.
The involvement of the Financial Prosecutor's Office highlights the importance of accountability in public procurement, particularly in the healthcare sector. The implications for governance, financial oversight, and public trust in Senegal's institutions are yet to be determined.