In response to alleged systemic irregularities and their potential economic and social repercussions, the Pastef parliamentary group led by Ousmane Sonko has initiated a parliamentary inquiry into the dubious awarding and execution of contracts under the ‘One Student, One Computer’ program. This initiative, launched in 2017, has amassed a total financial commitment of 48 billion FCFA, with annual expenditures averaging 6 billion FCFA.

The legal framework governing public procurement has allegedly been repeatedly violated. Key concerns include contracts exceeding 50 million FCFA awarded without competitive bidding, failure to consult the Central Directorate of Public Procurement (DCMP) as required, non-inclusion of the program in the ministry’s procurement plan, and the absence of mandatory financial minister approval for contracts valued at 300 million FCFA or more. These breaches have reportedly persisted since 2017.

Sonko, now President of the National Assembly, is determined to investigate the handling of funds by successive ministers at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MESRI) since the program’s inception. The parliamentary group argues that the irregularities—ranging from unauthorized payments to suspected embezzlement—warrant a thorough investigation.

Unaccounted funds and questionable transactions uncovered

Among the red flags highlighted by Pastef are a 2 billion FCFA guarantee fund deposited with Ecobank without clear documentation on its origin, management, or utilization. Additionally, 13 bank accounts and sub-accounts were reportedly linked to the program, despite official records indicating only three. A balance of 864,857,800 FCFA was allegedly dispersed across these accounts without proper documentation, while 800 unsold computers remain in storage at Cheikh Anta Diop University (UCAD), some of which are defective.

The irregularities extend to the 2023 edition of the program, where 1.446 billion FCFA was transferred on August 26 to the Cheikh Hamidou Kane Digital University for the purchase of 7,055 computers. The transaction involved a non-contracting intermediary company, with no valid contract found for that fiscal year. The State is said to have been twice overcharged for these expenses.

Key officials in the crosshairs

The inquiry targets ministers, directors, heads of department, and collaborators who held roles during the program’s implementation, including officials from the MESRI, the Ministry of Finance and Budget, the General Directorate of Higher Education, the Directorate of Higher Education Financing (DFEES), the DCMP, and the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP, formerly ARMP). All public, semi-public entities, universities, financial institutions, and individuals involved in the program’s procurement and execution since 2017 are under scrutiny.

The Pastef group contends that the evidence—spanning financial mismanagement, unauthorized transactions, and unfulfilled contractual obligations—demands urgent parliamentary intervention to restore transparency and accountability.