OFNAC: Yakaar-Teranga 30 Milliards FCFA Enquête Urged by Civil Society

• Three Senegalese civil society groups have urged OFNAC to investigate 55 million dollars (30 billion FCFA) reportedly owed to the state from the Yakaar-Teranga gas project.
• The demand follows Prime Minister Al Aminou Lô's statement on September 8, 2026, indicating the funds were not recovered.
• Organizations seek public explanations for the non-recovery or potential renunciation of the funds, including legal justifications and responsible parties.
• They also request the publication of agreements related to Kosmos Energy's March 2026 withdrawal from Yakaar-Teranga, which resulted in a $144 million account reduction.
• The move aims for independent scrutiny and increased transparency in Senegal's energy sector, emphasizing accountability for state resources.

This development signals increased public and civil society scrutiny on financial transactions within Senegal's energy sector, particularly concerning state revenues from major projects like Yakaar-Teranga.

Three prominent Senegalese civil society organizations have formally requested the National Office for the Fight Against Fraud and Corruption (OFNAC) to launch an investigation into financial discrepancies related to the Yakaar-Teranga gas project. The OSIDEA, ONG 3D, and the Forum du Justiciable issued a joint communiqué on September 9, reacting to a significant statement made by Prime Minister Al Aminou Lô before the National Assembly just one day prior, on September 8, 2026.

During his general policy declaration, Prime Minister Lô disclosed that a sum of 55 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately 30 billion FCFA, was due to the Senegalese state but had not been recovered. This revelation prompted the collective call for an independent and impartial examination by OFNAC, emphasizing that these funds rightfully belong to the Senegalese populace. The organizations stressed the critical need for public, precise, and thoroughly documented explanations regarding the fate of these substantial resources.

The civil society groups are pressing the government, particularly the Prime Minister, to clarify why the 55 million dollars were not collected. Their inquiry extends to understanding the specific circumstances surrounding any potential renunciation of these funds. They seek to identify the authority or minister responsible for making or validating such a decision, along with the precise legal and contractual foundations that would underpin it.

Furthermore, the organizations have demanded the public disclosure of any agreements reached with Kosmos Energy concerning its withdrawal from the Yakaar-Teranga project. Kosmos Energy officially exited the block in March 2026, subsequently reporting a reduction of 144 million dollars in its accounts. This divestment followed a prior withdrawal by BP, highlighting a pattern of significant changes in the project's ownership structure. The groups maintain that any decision impacting resources owed to the state must be transparently communicated to citizens.

The request for OFNAC to initiate an investigation through its power of self-referral (autosaisine) is intended to ensure an independent, impartial, and credible review of the facts presented to the deputies. The organizations explicitly stated that their action is not an accusation against any specific individual or institution, but rather a demand for accountability and clarity regarding public funds. This move underscores a broader push for enhanced governance and anti-corruption measures within Senegal's vital energy sector.

Beyond the direct OFNAC Yakaar-Teranga 30 milliards FCFA enquête, the groups have also urged the National Assembly to actively exercise its oversight function over government actions. They believe the legislative body should secure all necessary information for both its members and the public. The organizations contend that if the 55 million dollars were indeed owed to Senegal, any decision to renounce these funds without full transparency regarding the decision-makers, the underlying reasons, and the legal basis of the operation would be unacceptable.

This development signals increased public and civil society scrutiny on financial transactions within Senegal's energy sector, particularly concerning state revenues from major projects like Yakaar-Teranga. The call for an OFNAC investigation into the alleged 30 milliards FCFA discrepancy highlights a growing demand for rigorous oversight of resource management and contractual agreements involving national assets. The collective action by OSIDEA, ONG 3D, and the Forum du Justiciable emphasizes that transparency and accountability are paramount when dealing with funds that could significantly benefit the nation.

Lawyers advising energy companies or involved in mergers, acquisitions, or divestments in Senegal should anticipate heightened anti-corruption oversight from OFNAC. This situation necessitates meticulous documentation and transparency regarding financial flows and agreements to mitigate compliance risks, especially in light of the ongoing *OFNAC Yakaar-Teranga 30 milliards FCFA enquête* and the broader implications for combating fraud and corruption in Senegal's burgeoning energy industry.

This development signals increased public and civil society scrutiny on financial transactions within Senegal's energy sector, particularly concerning state revenues from major projects like Yakaar-Teranga. Lawyers advising energy companies or involved in M&A/divestments in Senegal should anticipate heightened anti-corruption oversight from OFNAC, requiring meticulous documentation and transparency regarding financial flows and agreements to mitigate compliance risks.

Source: Original reporting via pressafrik