Senegal’s new President, Bassirou Faye has announced an audit of the oil, gas and mining sectors, in his first policy move hours after taking office.
In a televised speech, he said the Senegalese people must derive benefits from her natural resources, while reassuring investors.
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“The exploitation of our natural resources, which according to the constitution belong to the people, will receive particular attention from my government”.
The country’s youngest-ever leader at 44 added that the audit was the first step in the reforms he promised during less than 10 days of campaigning for the top job after being released from prison.
“I will proceed with the disclosure of the effective ownership of extractive companies (and) with an audit of the mining, oil, and gas sector.”
He did not provide further details, but stressed on the address that investor rights will always be protected.
Senegal’s first offshore oil development is due to start production in mid-2024 with the Sangomar oil and gas project operated by Woodside Energy expected to produce 100,000 barrels per day.
Editor: Ken Eseni