Jean-Michel Sène ASER Investigation: Collective Demands Questioning in Senegal

• The "Sunu 37 milliards" collective has challenged former ASER Director General Jean-Michel Sène over his defense of AEE Power EPC head José.
• A judicial investigation was opened in August 2026 into the ASER-AEE Power case, probing allegations of public fund embezzlement and forgery.
• The collective demands that Senegalese authorities mobilize a 40 billion CFA francs bank guarantee to complete the rural electrification project.
• Investigators are urged to trace the exact destination of 37 billion CFA francs related to the unfulfilled project.
• The Judicial and Financial Hub has been asked to hear both Jean-Michel Sène and José to establish contractual responsibilities.

The unfolding investigation into the ASER-AEE Power project in Senegal, particularly the allegations of détournement de deniers publics ASER, highlights critical issues of governance and public trust in large-scale infrastructure initiatives.

The collective "Sunu 37 milliards" has publicly questioned Jean-Michel Sène, the former Director General of the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER), following his remarks concerning a judicial process initiated in Spain. The group criticizes Sène for appearing to support José, the head of the Spanish firm AEE Power EPC, despite the company's ongoing dispute with the Senegalese government. This stance, according to the collective, intensifies concerns surrounding the rural electrification initiative, where the promised infrastructure development remains largely unfulfilled on the ground.

The collective's scrutiny extends to the substantial bank guarantee of 40 billion CFA francs. They are urging Senegalese authorities to activate this guarantee to ensure the financing and completion of the essential infrastructure projects intended for the nation's rural communities. The public statements made by Jean-Michel Sène are seen by "Sunu 37 milliards" as further fueling skepticism regarding the project's execution and the accountability of those involved.

A formal judicial investigation into the ASER-AEE Power matter was initiated by the financial prosecutor in August 2026. This inquiry specifically targets allegations of public fund embezzlement (détournement de deniers publics), the creation and use of forged documents (faux et usage de faux), and criminal association (association de malfaiteurs). This legal action in Senegal complements the separate judicial developments in Spain, which Jean-Michel Sène had previously referenced, and which recently saw a provisional dismissal by a Madrid court on October 29, 2026.

The "Sunu 37 milliards" collective has formally requested that the Judicial and Financial Hub (Pôle judiciaire et financier Sénégal) summon both the former ASER Director General, Jean-Michel Sène, and José for questioning. Their objective is to establish clear responsibilities regarding the contractual obligations tied to the rural electrification project. Furthermore, the collective has called upon investigators to meticulously trace all financial transactions to ascertain the precise destination of the 37 billion CFA francs.

Central to the ongoing controversy are significant financial discrepancies, particularly the 37 billion CFA francs that the "Sunu 37 milliards" collective is determined to track. They are pressing investigators to follow the money trail to uncover exactly where these funds were allocated, given the lack of visible progress on the ground for the rural electrification project. This demand underscores a broader concern about transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships.

Adding to these financial concerns is the 40 billion CFA francs bank guarantee. The collective views this guarantee as a critical resource that should be mobilized by the Senegalese authorities. Their aim is to ensure that these funds are directly applied to finance and complete the much-needed infrastructure, thereby fulfilling the original commitments made to the rural populations of Senegal. The failure to activate this guarantee, in their view, exacerbates the project's stagnation.

The unfolding investigation into the ASER-AEE Power project in Senegal, particularly the allegations of détournement de deniers publics ASER, highlights critical issues of governance and public trust in large-scale infrastructure initiatives. The persistent calls from the Sunu 37 milliards collectif for transparency and accountability underscore the public's demand for tangible results from projects funded by public money and international partnerships. The involvement of the Pôle judiciaire et financier Sénégal signals the seriousness with which these allegations are being treated by the justice system.

This case serves as a significant indicator for future public-private collaborations, emphasizing the necessity for stringent oversight and clear contractual enforcement. The dispute involving AEE Power EPC Senegal and the Senegalese state, coupled with the scrutiny of figures like Jean-Michel Sène and José AEE Power, demonstrates the complex challenges in ensuring that development projects genuinely benefit the intended beneficiaries. The outcome of this investigation will likely set precedents for how such financial and contractual disputes are managed in the country.

Lawyers and compliance officers should note the ongoing judicial scrutiny of public-private partnerships in Senegal, particularly concerning allegations of public fund embezzlement in the ASER-AEE Power case. This signals increased risk for entities involved in large infrastructure projects and necessitates robust due diligence and transparent financial management to avoid similar investigations and reputational damage.

Source: Original reporting via Senegalese media.