Dakar, Senegal – Former Minister of Women, Family, Gender, and Child Protection, Ndéye Saly Dieng, has been cleared of charges related to the alleged embezzlement of Covid-19 funds, a case that has drawn significant attention in Senegal. The High Court of Justice issued a final non-lieu order on March 3, 2026, effectively ending the legal proceedings against her. This development marks the third such resolution in a series of investigations into the handling of funds allocated to address the pandemic, and highlights the ongoing scrutiny of public officials’ financial conduct. The case concerning Ndeye Saly Dieng and the management of Covid-19 relief efforts has been closely watched by the public and observers of Senegalese politics.
Dieng had been placed under judicial supervision on May 19, 2025, following accusations of misappropriating 52 million FCFA (approximately $85,000 USD based on current exchange rates) intended for Covid-19 relief. To secure her provisional release, she deposited 57 million FCFA (roughly $93,000 USD) with the court. The decision to drop the charges was made by the investigating committee of the High Court of Justice, led by Abdoulaye Ba, the First President of the Dakar Court of Appeal, and formally notified to her legal team – Souleymane Soumaré, Sally Mamadou Thiam, and others – on March 3rd. This outcome brings an end to a year-long legal battle for Dieng, who consistently maintained her innocence.
Previous Cases Resolved by the High Court
The High Court’s decision in Dieng’s case follows similar resolutions in January 2026 involving former ministers Aïssatou Sophie Gladima and Ismaïla Madior Fall. On January 7, 2026, President Ba and his team definitively resolved their cases, referring them to the trial court. These resolutions suggest a pattern of the investigating committee finding insufficient evidence to proceed with charges in some of the initial cases related to the Covid-19 funds. The investigations were launched following public concerns about the transparency and accountability of the funds allocated to combat the pandemic and mitigate its economic impact.
Ongoing Investigations and New Accusations
However, the investigations are not complete. The cases of former ministers Moustapha Diop and Mansour Faye remain under investigation. Faye is currently benefiting from provisional release, while Diop remains in detention. The differing treatment underscores the varying degrees of evidence and circumstances surrounding each case. The ongoing investigations demonstrate the continued commitment of the Senegalese authorities to address allegations of financial impropriety related to the Covid-19 response.
Beyond the initial wave of indictments, new legal proceedings have been initiated. On February 10, 2026, the Bureau of the National Assembly, at the request of Justice Minister Yacine Fall, began proceedings to accuse former ministers Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr and Moussa Bocar Thiam of wrongdoing. A session concerning Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr was suspended to allow for the gathering of additional documentation. However, on February 27, 2026, a resolution was adopted to accuse Moussa Bocar Thiam of criminal association, embezzlement of public funds, and money laundering in connection with the “Senegal Connect Park” project.
Next Steps in the Legal Process
According to established procedure, the National Assembly is now required to transmit the dossier concerning Thiam to the Prosecutor General near the Supreme Court, who will then refer the case to the appropriate investigating committee. This process ensures a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations against Thiam. The Senegal Connect Park project, intended to improve digital connectivity across the country, has been the subject of scrutiny regarding the use of public funds and potential irregularities.
The series of investigations and resolutions highlight the complexities of prosecuting financial crimes, particularly those involving high-profile public officials. The High Court of Justice plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law in Senegal. The outcomes of these cases will likely have a significant impact on public trust and the future of governance in the country.
As the investigations into Moustapha Diop, Mansour Faye, Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr, and Moussa Bocar Thiam continue, the public awaits further developments. The next key step will be the Prosecutor General’s review of the dossier concerning Moussa Bocar Thiam, which will determine whether a formal investigation will be launched. Readers seeking updates on these cases can follow reports from Seneweb and other reputable Senegalese news outlets.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as they become available.
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