Khadim Bâ detention case in Senegal raises justice concerns

After twenty months of detention, businessman Khadim Bâ remains in custody while the Forum du Justiciable urges Senegalese authorities to clarify his case. Forum president Babacar Bâ said the prolonged detention threatens the image of Senegal and its energy sovereignty, stressing that “after twenty months of detention, it is urgent that the authorities pronounce clearly on this case.”

Customs officials accuse Bâ of submitting false documents to banks for fictitious vessels, failing to pay import duties and not repatriating 44 billion FCFA from declared revenues exceeding 800 billion FCFA. Bâ’s defence rejects the accusations, citing evidence from the Senegalese oil platform Dakar‑Petrole, the SAR importer’s records, and an independent financial expert confirming that duties were paid and transactions remained within the country. The Forum calls for transparent, equitable treatment to preserve public confidence in the judiciary.