Senegal PS: Demands Senelec Vandalism Investigation

• Senegal's Socialist Party (PS) has demanded an investigation into recent vandalism at Senelec electricity infrastructure in Sébikotane and Khodoba.
• The damage occurred on September 20, prompting Senelec Director General Papa Toby Gaye to file a complaint with the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) on September 21.
• The PS questions access to sensitive sites, potential organized networks, and channels for reselling stolen electrical equipment, citing past incidents like a 2026 transformer theft in Bambilor.
• Senelec attributes broader power outages to technical issues, fuel shortages, treasury tensions, and Karpowership failures, expecting normalcy by week's end.
• Electricity disruptions severely impact households, businesses, health facilities, schools, and the national economy, according to PS spokesperson Abdoulaye Wilane.

Our country cannot be permanently exposed to disruptions whose consequences directly affect households, businesses, health establishments, schools and the entire economy.

Senegal's Socialist Party (PS) has voiced significant alarm regarding ongoing disruptions to the nation's electricity supply and is formally demanding a comprehensive investigation into recent acts of vandalism targeting Senelec infrastructure. This call to action follows specific incidents of damage reported on September 20, which affected two critical network installations belonging to Senelec in the Thiès region, specifically at Sébikotane and Khodoba. The political party's reaction underscores growing concerns over the stability of the national power grid.

Following these incidents, Papa Toby Gaye, the Director General of Senelec, confirmed that a formal complaint against unknown individuals was lodged with the Criminal Investigations Division (DIC) on September 21. The PS, through a statement issued by its national spokesperson, Abdoulaye Wilane, unequivocally condemned these destructive acts. The party is pressing for the swift identification and apprehension of those responsible for the damage, highlighting the severity of the situation for national energy security.

The Socialist Party's concerns extend beyond the immediate Sébikotane Khodoba damage, delving into broader questions about the security of critical national assets. The party has specifically raised inquiries regarding how individuals gained access to these sensitive facilities, whether the vandalism indicates the presence of an organized network, and if there are established channels for the recovery and resale of stolen electrical equipment. These questions point to a systemic vulnerability that the PS believes requires urgent attention.

This recent Senelec infrastructure vandalism is not an isolated event but rather part of a disturbing pattern of attacks on the utility's installations. A notable prior incident occurred on the night of April 6, 2026, when a transformer was stolen in Bambilor, plunging more than three neighborhoods into darkness. During the same period, a newly completed electrical post in Bambilor also suffered vandalism, further illustrating the persistent challenges facing Senegal electricity grid security. These repeated incidents underscore the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and thorough investigations.

While condemning the vandalism, the Socialist Party also acknowledges that such acts should not overshadow the other significant difficulties plaguing Senegal's electricity system. Papa Toby Gaye, Senelec's Director General, has previously attributed power outages to a combination of technical incidents, constraints in fuel supply, and financial pressures on the utility. Furthermore, issues affecting Karpowership, a key power provider, have also been cited as contributing factors to the current instability, though Senelec anticipates a return to normal operations by the end of the current week.

The widespread disruptions to the electricity supply have far-reaching consequences across various sectors of Senegalese society. Households, businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions are all directly affected by the intermittent power. The overall economic activity of the nation also suffers significantly from these outages. Abdoulaye Wilane emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the country cannot endure prolonged exposure to disruptions that directly impact its citizens and economy.

This incident highlights increased operational and security risks for companies operating critical infrastructure in Senegal, particularly in the energy sector. Legal and compliance teams should review security protocols, insurance coverage for vandalism, and business continuity plans to mitigate potential disruptions and liabilities.

Source: Original reporting via pressafrik