Senegal has established a commission of legal, tax, and energy experts to review and rebalance its oil and gas contracts in the national interest, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on national television.
The initiative follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye's landslide victory in March, after which he ordered an audit of the oil, gas, and mining sectors, pledging to renegotiate terms with foreign operators if necessary.
While specific details of the audit and renegotiation plans have not been disclosed, Sonko reaffirmed the government's commitment to re-examining and rebalancing these agreements for the benefit of the Senegalese people.
"We made a firm commitment to revisit these various agreements, re-examine them, and work to rebalance them in favor of national interests. As you know, it is extremely important to us to keep the promises we make to the people," he said.
The prime minister explained, that contrary to some beliefs, the aim was never to erase everything, start from scratch, or nationalize assets.
He assured that the commission would have ample resources and could hire international experts if needed, although he did not specify a timeline for the review.
This development coincides with Senegal's recent emergence as an oil producer. Additionally, gas production at the BP-operated Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project is expected to begin by the end of the year.