Guinea-Bissau
Ex-PM of Guinea-Bissau on fraud charges

afrol News, 15 July -Ex-Prime Minister Faustino Fudut Imbali, who was sacked after a disputed term in December 2001, is standing trial over US$ 15 million that allegedly disappeared during his term. Imbali has however avoided arrest while the court treats his case.

The case against ex-PM Imbali was initiated by the Bissauan Head of State himself, President Kumba Yala. Yala - who himself had appointed Imbali no regarding massive opposition nine months earlier - sacked his PM in December 2001, saying Imbali had "abused the trust placed in the office" and was showing "a lack of transparency in his handling of affairs." 

During the last months, President Yala's allegations became clearer as he explained that "millions of dollars are missing from the state treasury" after the term of Imbali. The President promised to take legal action.

While Imbali in April was accused of diverting some US$ 2 million - funds that were intended for the armed forces - the President has now widened the list of missing funds to total US$ 15 million. Charges were made against the ex-PM and the judiciary is now looking into the Imbali-case. 

While President Yala threatened the ex-PM with prison "if the funds are not returned," the Bissau court has however agreed to let Imbali remain free while the case against him is in court. If he his found guilty, he will however have to serve a prison term. 

Faustino Imbali - a 46-year-old trained sociologist - meanwhile claims he is not guilty of any misappropriating of state funds. 

Sources: Based on Lusa, press reports and afrol archives

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