Senegal Roundup: $2.7b green transition plan, Sonko calls for clash retaliations, official's death probe

Senegal to commit to $2.7b green transition plan

Senegal is set to recommit to a €2.5 billion ($2.67 billion) Just Energy Transition Partnership to reduce fossil fuel reliance. This follows a government change after the March elections, which created uncertainty around the deal initially proposed by former President Macky Sall. New President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his appointed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko are expected to support the initiative if they secure a parliamentary majority in the upcoming elections on November 17. The investment plan, currently in advanced drafting stages, is scheduled for completion in December and will outline how Senegal plans to increase renewable energy in its mix. According to Rigzone, funding is anticipated to come from France, Germany, the EU, the UK, and Canada over five years, echoing similar programmes established with countries like South Africa, Indonesia, and Vietnam to support the transition to greener energy sources.

Sonko calls for vengeance after election campaign clashes

Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko called for vengeance on Tuesday, November 12 citing attacks on his Pastef party supporters by opposition members during the parliamentary election campaign. He reported clashes in Dakar, Saint-Louis, and Koungheul, blaming supporters of Dakar mayor Barthelemy Dias, leader of a rival coalition. "Let every aggression suffered by Pastef on their part since the start of the campaign, let every patriot they have attacked and injured be proportionally avenged," Sonko wrote in a Facebook post as reported by Barron's.

35 billion CFA agreement to establish defence industry in Mbacké

On November 8, 2024, Senegal signed a 35 billion CFA franc (approximately $56 million) agreement with the Senegal Military Vehicle Industry (ISEVEM) to establish a defence industry in Mbacké. The initiative aims to boost industrialisation, enhance national security, and promote sustainable development, positioning Senegal as a regional player in the defence sector while creating jobs. Key officials, including the Minister of Armed Forces and the South Korean ambassador, attended the signing ceremony. The project will establish a military vehicle assembly plant capable of producing approximately 1,000 vehicles annually, reducing dependence on military imports and strengthening national sovereignty. It is part of Senegal's “Senegal 2050” vision, which seeks to create industrial zones and support local SMEs through subcontracting opportunities, reports Sene News.

Senegal to wait at least until June for IMF loan resolution

Senegal will have to wait until at least June for a resolution regarding its $1.9 billion lending programme with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). This delay follows an audit revealing larger-than-previously reported debt and deficit figures. The IMF will not consider Senegal's request for a new programme until the audit findings are certified by the court of auditors in mid-December and reviewed by the IMF executive board, a process expected to take six months. Senegal's fiscal situation is deteriorating, with public debt averaging 76.3% of GDP and a budget deficit exceeding 10%. The current government, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has called for snap elections to secure a legislative majority for necessary economic reforms, according to Strait Times.

Investigation launched into the death of former Senegalese finance minister

An investigation has been launched into the death of Mamadou Moustapha Ba, former Senegalese Minister of Finance and Budget, who recently died in France. The Prosecutor of the High Court of Dakar initiated the inquiry following information suggesting suspicious circumstances surrounding his passing. According to Sene News, an autopsy has been ordered to identify potential medical or accidental causes linked to his sudden death. Ba was well-regarded for his contributions to Senegal's economy and his loss has deeply affected the nation. Authorities aim to clarify the events leading to his death, highlighting their commitment to transparency and legal protocols.