By Momodou Gagigo
Dr. Yacine Dieng, the Vice Coordinator of the Senegalese ruling coalition movement PASTEF’s Gambia branch, stands accused by a Haitian-American entrepreneur of failing to fully repay a substantial debt stemming from a failed car sale. The allegations raise questions about the personal financial accountability of individuals in prominent political roles.
Naomi Valentin alleges that she purchased a Jeep Wrangler from Dieng in Senegal in late 2023. She claims the vehicle exhibited significant mechanical defects shortly after the transaction. Valentin says she returned the Jeep to Dieng, who accepted it back and agreed to issue a full refund of approximately 2.7 million CFA francs.
Despite the return, Valentin maintains that Dieng has not reimbursed the full amount. She reports making multiple attempts at resolution, including consultations with legal professionals in Senegal, filing reports with authorities, and obtaining notarial documentation to formalize the acknowledged debt. In November 2024, Valentin traveled to The Gambia—where Dieng was reportedly based—and spent about a month pressing for repayment.
“Before I left, we notarized a document acknowledging the debt, and I retained a copy of her identification,” Valentin told The Alkamba Times. She confirms receiving a recent partial payment of 250,000 CFA francs but says a large balance remains outstanding.
The dispute escalated following this partial remittance. In WhatsApp exchanges shared with our reporter, Valentin expressed thanks for the payment while reiterating her intent to publicize the matter until full settlement. Dieng’s response, as circulated, emphasized that she was not fleeing responsibility:
“As you can see, I am not running away. There’s a delay, yes, but it’s not intentional. If she’s in a hurry, let her go to court and stop stressing everybody out. It’s not helping her,” She told TAT in a message exchange.
Dieng warned of potential legal repercussions, stating: “If she ever gets to take my name out, I’ll sue her for defamation of character and I’ll sue her 5 times the amount I owe her.” She attributed the recent payment to funds recovered from another source. She indicated possible further remittances in the coming weeks. Dieng also argued that courts cannot enforce payment beyond available means and characterized Valentin’s contacts with her associates as harassment.
Dieng has consistently portrayed the issue as a standard civil debt disagreement arising from a private car transaction, not fraud or criminal intent.
Nevertheless, the controversy draws scrutiny because of Dieng’s political profile. As Vice Coordinator of PASTEF Gambia, Dieng has been publicly active, issuing statements on bilateral relations between Senegal and Gambia and engaging in political discourse. PASTEF, formally known as the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, has emphasized anti-corruption, ethical governance, and transparency under leaders such as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko following their 2024 electoral success.
Critics contend that even unresolved civil financial disputes involving senior party figures can erode public trust, particularly when the movement’s identity is rooted in moral and ethical renewal. Political observers in the region note that personal credibility remains a key factor in West African politics, where private conduct can reflect on institutional reputations.
Cross-border elements add complexity. Dieng’s movements between Senegal and The Gambia have reportedly hindered enforcement efforts, as differing legal systems, jurisdictional issues, and procedural requirements often delay resolution in regional debt cases.
Legal sources indicate that notarized acknowledgments strengthen a creditor’s position, but actual recovery typically requires a court judgment and depends on the debtor’s solvency.
Valentin has expressed resolve to continue advocating publicly, aiming not only for reimbursement but also to alert others to similar risks in private transactions. Dieng maintains that court proceedings or direct negotiation represent the proper channels, viewing sustained public disclosure as defamatory.
PASTEF has issued no official comment on the allegations as of this publication. The party’s silence invites speculation, with some viewing it as prudent non-interference in private matters and others as a missed opportunity for transparency.
