Stories from Senegal

The Cosmos entity has withdrawn from the Yakar-Terrenga gas field project located off the coast of Dakar. The project is described as a high-value gas well intended to reduce national electricity costs and support fertilizer production. Local officials state the move aligns with national sovereignty goals regarding resource control. The withdrawal follows initial campaign efforts in the region.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the Senegalese state is resuming control of the Yakar Teranga gas field. The development of this major field previously involved an American company. The announcement comes amid reports of 30,633 Senegalese workers being laid off from various structures including the Port Autonome de Dakar and the Grand Théâtre. Supporters claim the regime is meeting promises regarding natural resource management. Some participants expressed skepticism regarding government action despite promises made during the transition to power. Participants in resource management discussions noted some progress in natural resource oversight. Recent regime changes have coincided with 30,633 layoffs across various structures, including the Dakar Autonomous Port and the Grand Théâtre.

The Yann Amar citizen collective held a meeting in Dakar to evaluate the performance of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The initiative brings together citizens, workers, and political figures to assess the administration after 730 days in power. The meeting focused on providing a popular assessment of the government's actions. The session occurred amidst ongoing political discourse regarding the administration's impact in Senegal. Pauline Lotrochier is identified as a key figure in advancing this objective. Participants included government officials, farmers, artists, and students. The gathering focused on comparing government promises against actual results two years after the new head of state took office. Debates addressed various levels of public satisfaction and dissatisfaction with the regime's trajectory.

Senegal faces political division regarding the upcoming presidential candidacy of Ousmane Sonko. Accusations of political repression and attempts to secure a third term continue to mark the political landscape. The situation reflects broader instability and an inability to reach a common consensus within the country's political institutions. Analysts suggest the candidacy may be historically yet remains fragile due to these internal fractures. Political divisions in Senegal are impacting discussions regarding the selection of the new UN Secretary-General. Concerns involve human rights, political violence, and electoral pressures within the country. Critics question the democratic record of Macky Sall despite his history of peaceful power transitions in Senegal. Supporters argue his experience makes him capable of dialogue across political sensitivities.

The final qualifying rounds for the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Holy Quran Memorization Competition have commenced in Dakar, Senegal. The event is organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance. Participants representing 53 different countries are competing in the competition. The event is sponsored by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to serve the Quran and Sunnah and promote Islamic values. The Quran memorization competition finals have commenced in Dakar, involving participants from over 50 African nations. The competition highlights significant regional efforts in religious education and preservation.

A large-scale national census has commenced in Senegal to determine the current population and living conditions of its citizens. This is the first such comprehensive operation conducted in the country in 21 years. Census agents and supervisors have begun field visits to various neighborhoods to collect data. The IBGE aims to use the collected information to create public policies to address social issues. Data collection is scheduled to take place between July 3 and July 7, 2028. Census takers will undergo training prior to the collection period.

The National Assembly in Senegal is set to begin sessions this Tuesday to exercise public control over government action. Ministers will face deputies to discuss administrative and legislative matters. This process is part of the ongoing parliamentary oversight of the executive branch. The Senegalese National Assembly is reviewing a proposed bill to reform the electoral code. The bill was presented by deputies from the ruling party. The opposition coalition, including the Jomayy president, has criticized the text. The reform, originally deposited by the Pastef party, aims to guarantee eligibility requirements. The legislative process is currently underway in Abidjan. The proposed reform aims to impact the current prime minister's position. The source noted political unrest within the presidential majority in Dakar.