Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In a significant move towards ensuring national interests, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has announced the establishment of a Committee to review contracts concluded in strategic sectors. This announcement was made during the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, as reported by an official source.
This initiative is expected to cover key sectors such as mining, energy, telecommunications, and infrastructure, where foreign investments have been substantial. The Committee will review existing contracts and recommend adjustments or renegotiations where necessary to better serve Senegal’s interests.
According to a press release from the Council of Ministers, the Committee was established on the instructions of the President of the Republic, under a decree dated July 3, 2024. The primary mission of this Committee is to analyze existing contracts within strategic sectors, ensuring the central presence and safeguard of national interests. This initiative aims to verify and, where necessary, restore the balance required to meet the country’s objectives.
The establishment of this Committee comes at a time when Senegal is focusing on strengthening its economic sovereignty and ensuring that international agreements align with its long-term development goals. The move reflects a broader trend in several African nations where governments are increasingly scrutinizing foreign investments and contracts to ensure they benefit the national economy and do not compromise national interests.
Prime Minister Sonko, known for his strong stance on transparency and national sovereignty, emphasized the importance of this Committee’s work. “Our priority is to protect and promote the interests of Senegal. This Committee will play a crucial role in ensuring that our strategic sectors are not only beneficial to foreign investors but also align with our national priorities,” he stated.
Analysts view this move as a strategic step to assert more control over resources and critical sectors, which have historically been influenced by foreign companies and governments. It also signals to international investors that while Senegal remains open to business, it will be vigilant in protecting its national interests.
The establishment of this Committee marks a significant step in Senegal’s efforts to enhance transparency and accountability in its economic dealings. It is seen as part of a broader government strategy to ensure that the benefits of economic growth and development are widely shared among its citizens.
