Dakar, Senegal – July 2025
One of the central promises of President Ousmane Sonko’s election campaign was to renegotiate Senegal’s oil and gas contracts—an issue that galvanized youth voters and anti-corruption activists nationwide. But nearly four months into his administration, transparency around the renegotiation process remains limited.
Sonko vowed to revisit controversial production-sharing agreements signed under the previous government, arguing they were lopsided and not in Senegal’s national interest, particularly deals involving international energy giants operating in offshore blocks like Sangomar and Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA).
“The people of Senegal deserve to benefit from our natural wealth,” Sonko declared in his fiery campaign speeches.
Since taking office, the government has reportedly launched a review process involving the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Senegal chapter, and an independent advisory committee. However, no major changes or cancellations have been formally announced.
Minister of Energy Aïssatou Diop stated last week that the process was "ongoing and sensitive," noting that legal, diplomatic, and financial risks must be carefully managed to avoid international arbitration or economic instability.
Civil society groups, including Publiez Ce Que Vous Payez (Publish What You Pay), are urging the government to release a clear renegotiation roadmap, publish all current contracts, and commit to parliamentary debate on future changes.
“We support reform, but it must be open and measurable,” said transparency advocate Mamadou Diallo.
Meanwhile, multinational energy companies including BP, Woodside Energy, and Kosmos Energy have largely stayed quiet but are closely watching developments, according to industry insiders.
The first barrels of oil from the Sangomar field are expected to begin flowing later this year, raising the stakes even higher for Sonko’s administration to deliver on its bold promises.
As public scrutiny intensifies, Sonko faces a pivotal moment: will he follow through with real renegotiation, or be forced to compromise in the face of global energy power dynamics?