Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards: Demands ASER Caution 40 Milliards Clarity

• The Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards is demanding clarification from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye regarding a 40 billion FCFA guarantee for the ASER rural electrification project.
• The collective seeks details on the guarantee's status, mobilization conditions, and plans for contract continuation, believing it could revive the project.
• Spanish businessman José Ángel González Tausz, known as Jolé, acknowledged receiving 37 billion FCFA for the project but is accused of not cooperating with Senegalese justice, having departed Senegal despite an exit ban.
• The Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards has called for an international arrest warrant against Jolé due to his alleged non-response to the gendarmerie's investigation.
• The group emphasizes that the 37 billion FCFA issue and the guarantee's activation are crucial for public accountability and the advancement of rural electrification in Senegal, urging attention away from the controversial proposed new contract between Akilé and Senelec.

The collective is pressing for immediate clarity regarding the precise status of this significant financial instrument, alongside a detailed explanation of the conditions under which it could be activated or mobilized.

The Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards has recently intensified its advocacy, directing an urgent appeal to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the Minister of Energy. At the heart of their concerns is a 40 billion FCFA guarantee associated with the ASER rural electrification project. The collective is pressing for immediate clarity regarding the precise status of this significant financial instrument, alongside a detailed explanation of the conditions under which it could be activated or mobilized.

Furthermore, the group seeks information on the specific provisions in place to ensure the continuation of the public contract. The Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards posits that this substantial guarantee could potentially serve as a vital mechanism to revitalize the stalled electrification efforts, provided its application aligns with existing legal and contractual frameworks. This intervention underscores a persistent public demand for transparency and progress on critical infrastructure initiatives across Senegal.

A central component of the collective's ongoing campaign revolves around the 37 billion FCFA already disbursed for the project. The Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards asserts that Spanish businessman José Ángel González Tausz, known as Jolé, has himself acknowledged receipt of these funds. Despite this, the collective alleges that Mr. González Tausz has failed to cooperate with the Senegalese judicial system in relation to an ongoing investigation by the gendarmerie's research section, having departed Senegal on August 13, 2026, despite an active exit ban.

In light of this alleged non-compliance, the Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards has publicly called for the consideration of an international arrest warrant against Jolé. This demand highlights the collective's commitment to ensuring accountability for public funds and project execution. They are also seeking comprehensive clarification on how the initial 37 billion FCFA was utilized and a clear assignment of responsibilities for any discrepancies or delays encountered.

The persistent efforts of the Collectif Sunu 37 Milliards underscore a broader public demand for rigorous oversight of government contracts and the transparent management of public funds, particularly concerning the vital électrification rurale Sénégal initiative. The collective emphasizes that the controversy surrounding the proposed new contract between Akilé and Senelec should not divert attention from the core issue of the 37 billion FCFA and the broader ASER project. Their focus remains on the effective deployment of resources to benefit rural communities.

The group's insistence on examining the mobilization of the 40 billion FCFA guarantee is crucial for potentially enabling the continuation of essential electrification work. This ongoing pressure reflects a deep-seated concern among citizens regarding the timely and efficient delivery of public services. The collective's history of engagement includes a previous call on August 20, 2026, for judicial authorities to summon El Hadji Talla Diop as part of their investigation into the 37 billion FCFA dossier, further illustrating their sustained commitment to justice and accountability in this significant public undertaking.

Lawyers and compliance officers should monitor the legal status and potential activation of the 40 billion FCFA guarantee for the ASER rural electrification project, as public pressure from the Sunu 37 Milliards collective signals heightened scrutiny over government contracts and potential litigation risks, including international arrest warrants for involved parties.

Source: Original reporting via Seneweb