Senegal’s Former Minister Mansour Faye Slams Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s “Scandalous” Decision at OMVG Conference
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In a scathing critique, former minister Mansour Faye has lambasted a decision made by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko during teh Conference of Heads of State and Government of the OMVG in Banjul. Faye characterized the move as “scandalous” and ”incomprehensible,” warning of potentially severe repercussions for Senegal,especially in the realm of regional energy project management and financial risk.
Faye’s Detailed Critique
Faye’s extensive post on the matter underscores the gravity of the situation. He noted that the Conference of Heads of State and Government of the OMVG is the apex body in the governance architecture of the organization. Among its key responsibilities, the Conference can definitively resolve issues that have been stalled at the Council of Ministers level.
Faye emphasized that the OMVG, similar to the OMVS, operates on a consensus basis across all levels and on all subjects. The projects undertaken by member countries involve shared debt and revenue distribution according to a mutually agreed-upon key.
The Energy Project and Its Implications
The OMVG’s energy project comprises two main components:
- A transport network (interconnection line or electricity motorway) spanning over 1,700 km, with funding exceeding USD 700 million.
- The growth of the Sambangalou hydroelectric plant for energy production of approximately 128 megawatts and the regulation of the Gambia River, with financing of nearly 400 million euros.
As is customary, the exploitation of production necessitates the creation of an operating and management company, which lead to the establishment of Sogesart.
Faye’s Concerns Over Sogesart’s Management
During the negotiation phase for Sogesart’s implementation, it was agreed that Senegal would host the headquarters, likely in Kedougou, and take on the role of director-general, at least during the repayment period. Given that Senegal is the only member country eligible for financial partners, it has guaranteed the debt for this project.In banjul,Prime Minister Sonko,described by Faye as a “frivolous half-god,” disregarded expert advice and made a “catastrophic and incomprehensible” decision. Sonko reportedly settled for the position of Secretary-General, leaving the choice of headquarters and Director-General to the other two member countries.Faye pointed out that the Secretary-General of an execution structure has no influence over the decisions or management of the Director-General. The only issue that seemed to concern Sonko was the exemption from the headquarters agreement, despite other advantages.
potential Consequences for Senegal
Faye expressed grave concern that Senegal will have no control over the viability and profitability of Sogesart. The real risk that the guarantee given by Senegal might be called upon cannot be ruled out. The sector players in Senegal are reportedly frightened and desolate.
Faye lamented that Senegal would suffer from the consequences of this decision, leading to enormous losses of opportunities, particularly in job creation, and unneeded risks of reimbursing hundreds of millions of US dollars.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspects of the Decision | Potential Impact |
|————————|—————–|
| Prime Minister’s Decision | Loss of control over Sogesart’s viability and profitability |
| consensus-Based Operation | Potential financial risks for Senegal |
| Energy Project Components | Job losses and economic risks |
| Expert Advice Ignored | Severe repercussions for regional energy management |
Conclusion
Mansour Faye’s critique highlights a critical juncture for Senegal, warning of meaningful economic and political ramifications stemming from Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s decision.As the nation navigates these challenges, the broader implications for regional cooperation and Senegal’s financial stability remain a cause for concern.
For more insights into the OMVG and its projects,visit the OMVG official website.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
Interview with Mansour Faye on Senegal’s Energy Project Challenges
Editor’s Introduction
In a recent move, Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, announced a important decision regarding the country’s energy projects.Mansour Faye, a prominent figure in the energy sector, has expressed grave concerns about the implications of this decision. faye discusses the potential financial risks, job losses, adn broader economic implications for Senegal.
Editor’s Interview with Mansour Faye
Editor: Mansour,thank you for taking the time too speak with us regarding the recent decision by Prime minister Ousmane Sonko. Can you start by explaining the primary issues you have with this decision?
Mansour Faye: Thank you for having me.The prime issue for me is the exemption from the headquarters agreement, despite other advantages. This exemption can lead to severe repercussions for Senegal, including loss of control over the viability and profitability of Sogesart, a key energy project.
Editor: You’ve mentioned that Senegal might face substantial financial risks. Could you elaborate on this?
Mansour Faye: Certainly. The key concern is that Senegal will have no oversight over the financial health of Sogesart. There is a real risk that the guarantee given by Senegal might be called upon, which could lead to enormous losses, particularly in job creation, and place unneeded risks of reimbursing hundreds of millions of US dollars.
Editor: How do you think this decision will affect job creation and the broader economy?
Mansour Faye: Job creation is a critical aspect here. The sector players in Senegal are reportedly frightened and desolate because this decision could lead to job losses and severe economic repercussions. The lack of control over the energy project components further heightens the risks.
Editor: What do you think about the consensus-based operation and how it ties to the decision?
Mansour Faye: The consensus-based operation might sound good in theory, but in practice, it ignores expert advice. This decision has been made despite warnings from experts, which could have severe repercussions for regional energy management and Senegal’s financial stability.
Editor: Given these concerns, what would you advise the government to do moving forward?
Mansour Faye: I would strongly advise the government to reconsider this decision and seek more consensus with industry experts. There needs to be a balanced approach that ensures Senegal has some control over its energy projects and assured financial stability.
Conclusion
Mansour Faye’s critique highlights a critical juncture for Senegal, warning of meaningful economic and political ramifications stemming from Prime Minister ousmane Sonko’s decision. As the nation navigates these challenges, the broader implications for regional cooperation and senegal’s financial stability remain a cause for concern.
For more insights into the OMVG and its projects, visit the OMVG official website.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
