APP-Sobeyaa leader Essa Faal has denied allegations that he was involved in a scam, saying the matter stems from an unpaid campaign loan from one of his supporters rather than any fraudulent activity.

Speaking on the issue, Faal explained that a supporter made a significant financial contribution to his presidential campaign during the last election, which was later disclosed to be a loan that he had agreed to repay.

According to Faal, the supporter initially told him the amount owed was D3 million, of which about D700,000 remained outstanding at one point.

He said he even offered the supporter a piece of land as settlement a few weeks ago, but the offer was declined.

“He came to me and said the money invested was a loan. I promised to repay it, and we made arrangements. He told me it was D3 million, and at one point only D700,000 remained. A few weeks ago, I offered my land, but he refused and I asked him to bear with me while I settled the debt,” Faal said.

The APP-Sobeyaa leader added that after receiving 25 million CFA from a client in Senegal who owed him money, he made further payments, leaving an outstanding balance of only D62,000.

Faal maintained that the disagreement was a private debt issue and not a criminal matter.

“Everyone has loans. It was sad and surprising that someone would come out and accuse me of a scam, but I have forgiven them even though it is damaging,” he said.

The allegations against Faal have attracted public attention in recent days, although he insists they misrepresent the nature of the financial arrangement.

By Adama Makasuba