Senegal: Former Minister Confirms Kosmos Energy $55 Million Claim Liability

• A $55 million claim against Kosmos Energy related to the Yaakaar-Teranga project has seen a new public development in Senegal.
• Former Minister of Petroleum and Mines, Birame Soulèye Diop, responded to Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo's statements, affirming Senegal's interests are protected.
• Diop stated he personally managed the case and negotiations with the American company before leaving office, passing the file to his successor, Abdourahmane Diouf.
• He claims to possess documents supporting his position and suggests the situation is under control, despite renewed public debate.

The former minister emphasized that the nation's financial interests remain protected, asserting that Kosmos Energy bears the responsibility for settling the substantial $55 million obligation.

A significant financial dispute involving a $55 million claim against Kosmos Energy, tied to the Yaakaar-Teranga project, has recently seen a new public development in Senegal. This resurgence of attention follows statements made by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo before the National Assembly, prompting a direct response from Birame Soulèye Diop, the former Minister of Petroleum and Mines.

Diop publicly addressed the matter, asserting that Senegal's financial interests are fully safeguarded and that Kosmos Energy is ultimately responsible for fulfilling the payment. He further clarified his personal involvement in the case, stating that he was directly in charge of the file and conducted negotiations with the American company prior to his departure from the government. His intervention aims to provide clarity and reassurance regarding the ongoing claim.

The claim, amounting to $55 million, which translates to approximately 30 billion FCFA, originates from the Yaakaar-Teranga project. This substantial sum represents a key point of contention between the Senegalese state and Kosmos Energy. The former minister's recent comments underscore the government's persistent stance on the company's liability.

Birame Soulèye Diop indicated that the responsibility for continuing the process now rests with his successor, Abdourahmane Diouf. He conveyed an impression that the situation is under control, suggesting there is no cause for alarm. To substantiate his position and address the questions raised by the Prime Minister's remarks, Diop stated that he possesses relevant documents pertaining to the case.

The former minister's public statements, particularly his assertion of having documents to support his claims, have effectively reignited public discussion surrounding the management of the Yaakaar-Teranga file. This renewed debate focuses on the mechanisms and conditions under which the financial interests of the Senegalese state have been preserved throughout the process.

Diop's proactive engagement in the media, directly responding to the Prime Minister's parliamentary address, highlights the political and economic sensitivity of the $55 million claim. The transition of the file to the current Minister of Petroleum and Mines, Abdourahmane Diouf, signifies the ongoing nature of the negotiations and the government's continued pursuit of the claimed funds from Kosmos Energy.

Source: Original reporting via Les Pîques de l'As