ASER Contract Controversy: Senegalese Public Procurement Regulation Breaches

• ASER and AEE Power EPC entered into a €140 million contract to electrify 1,700 villages in Senegal.
• The deal has been marred by controversy surrounding an advance of several tens of billions of CFA francs and the suspension of the market by ARCOP.
• José Ángel González Tausz emphasized that the project is part of AEE Power's long-standing experience in electrical infrastructure projects across Africa.
• The controversy has raised questions about potential breaches of public procurement regulations and possible liability for parties involved.

The Agence sénégalaise d'électrification rurale (ASER) and AEE Power EPC entered into a contract worth €140 million to electrify 1,700 villages in Senegal.

The Agence sénégalaise d'électrification rurale (ASER) and AEE Power EPC entered into a contract worth €140 million to electrify 1,700 villages in Senegal. However, the deal has been marred by controversy surrounding an advance of several tens of billions of CFA francs and the suspension of the market by the Autorité de régulation de la commande publique (ARCOP). José Ángel González Tausz, Chairman and Executive Director of AEE Power, was present in Dakar to provide his version of events surrounding the contract. He emphasized that the project is part of AEE Power's long-standing experience in electrical infrastructure projects across Africa.

The controversy has raised questions about potential breaches of public procurement regulations and possible liability for parties involved. Thierno Alassane Sall had previously stated that the Spanish court had responded to his inquiries regarding the alleged embezzlement of 37 billion CFA francs. He also indicated that he had filed a complaint with the Pool judiciaire financier (PJF) of Senegal three months prior to this response. In retaliation, Me Patrick Kabou, AEE Power's counsel, filed a complaint against Sall for defamation and collection of false documents.

The ASER contract controversy in Senegal highlights the importance of compliance with public procurement regulations. Lawyers and compliance officers should take note of potential implications, including possible breaches of these regulations and liability for parties involved. The case also underscores the need for transparency and accountability in large infrastructure projects.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for potential implications of the ASER contract controversy in Senegal, including possible breaches of public procurement regulations and potential liability for parties involved.

Source: Original reporting via Le Dakarois 221