Affaire Locafrique : Le patronat brise le silence et dénonce l'arrestation "injuste" de Khadim Ba
The Private Sector and Development Group (GSPD) and the National Council of Business Leaders of Senegal (CNDES) held a press conference this Thursday to voice the private sector's concerns about the country's economic and political situation. The meeting, led by Birane Yaya Wane, president of the CNDES, also provided an opportunity to revisit the legal case involving Khadim Ba, CEO of Locafrique.
Speaking to journalists, representatives of the two organizations expressed their concern about the evolving business climate in Senegal. According to them, several recent indicators are raising questions among investors and business leaders, in a context marked by significant economic and social challenges.
A large part of the meeting was devoted to the case of Khadim Ba, currently detained in connection with a dispute with the customs administration. Representatives of the GSPD and the CNDES denounced what they consider an "injustice" and pleaded for fair treatment of the case. According to Birane Yaya Wane, the accusations against the head of Locafrique are based in particular on allegations of falsified documents related to petroleum product imports, unpaid customs duties, and failure to repatriate foreign currency. The employers' organizations, however, maintain that these accusations are contradicted by several administrative documents as well as by the conclusions of a court-ordered expert report mentioned during the conference.
Private sector representatives asserted that the import operations in question were carried out on behalf of the African Refining Company (SAR), identified as the importer of the fuel shipments. They also highlighted the role they believe Khadim Ba played in financing Senegal's energy supply for several years, particularly during SAR's difficulties in paying its suppliers. Birane Yaya Wane believes the case raises broader questions regarding the legal security of investors and the functioning of the customs system. The organizers specifically criticized certain provisions of the Customs Code, which they consider contrary to the principles of a fair trial.
Beyond the case of Khadim Ba, the GSPD and the CNDES have called on public authorities to preserve the confidence of economic actors and strengthen the guarantees offered to national and foreign investors. They have also requested a reform of legal mechanisms that they believe could undermine the rights of economic operators.
In conclusion, the leaders of both organizations urged the authorities to promote dialogue with the private sector and to ensure the preservation of a stable business environment, a condition they consider essential to Senegal's economic development.
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