2 Senegalese deputies lose immunity in passports trafficking case

By Aurore Bonny

DOUALA, Cameroon (AA) - The National Assembly of Senegal opted Tuesday to lift parliamentary immunity for two deputies suspected of forgery in trafficking diplomatic passports.

The decision came after the justice minister requested made the request last month to the President of the National Assembly against Boubacar Biaye and El Hadj Mamadou Sall.

Following the request, officials launched an ad hoc committee and after several plenary sessions, the decision was announced.

The two MPs from the majority party are suspected of using illegal means, including fake marriages, to establish diplomatic passports in exchange for money.

"During the hearing, the parliamentarians as well as the Minister of Justice, Malick Sall, all expressed their desire to see the justice system clear up this matter," said local online media outlet, Seneplus.

El Hadj Djdji Conde, suspected of leading the trafficking network and who was placed under a deportation order since Sept. 13, told investigators that "his deputy collaborators were receiving him in their offices respectively,” according to Seneplus.

"In complicity with them, I made up marriage certificates for my clients to obtain diplomatic passports," said Conde, as quoted in Senegalese media.

The investigation is underway at the Criminal Investigation Division of Senegal.​​​​​​​