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Former Sengal PM Charged with Money Laundering and Faces Fraud Charges

Ex-Prime Minister Macky Sall Implicated in a Money Laundering Network

DAKAR - The police in Sengal have summoned an opposing politician regarding suspicions of money laundering, a position which sheds light on an environment of harassment to those that oppose President Abdoulaye Wade.

The former Prime Minsiter of Sengal, Macky Sall, has been implicated in a "money-laundering network" according to the Interior Ministry. Sall, is also a former parliament speaker that parted with Wade to head up the Alliance for the Republic.

Though many turned up to support Sall in central Dakar as he was being questioned about the allegations, the police were forced to fire tear gas to stifle the crowds and deter rioting.

Critics believe that these charges are being brought about by Wade's Democratic Party (PDS) to sabbotage any threats that may stand against the quickly approaching municipal elections.

Wade's intentions are to have his son, Karim to become the successor to him to maintain his current grip of power.

The Interior Ministry recently stated that they had evidence that proved Sall was involved in a Sengalese money laundering network.

Sengal has previously done well with both economic and political stability due to it's thriving mining industries. However, it too has seen it's share of wealth from the Ivory Coast which has attracted many organizations and international businesses.

In the previous year, the rising pressures of social and economic tensions due to increased fuel and food costs have taken it's toll and the country has seen an increase in rioting and violence. The consensus amongst many is that Wade seeks to find guilt in any one that opposes his campaign by having them brought up on charges.

Regarding Karim Wade, Alioune Tine, the president of regional rights body RADDHO, told Rueters,

"There isn't a single 'eligible' person who might threaten the dauphin who is not currently facing legal charges,"

The spokesperson for Sall's councel, Moustapha Diop stated that the interrogation was nothing more than an attempt by Wade to have the opposing politician encarcerated during the election, and that they intend to fight the charges.