AEE Power Defends Jean-Michel Sène Against SN Government Obligations

• AEE Power EPC defended Jean-Michel Sène in the ASER rural electrification project case.
• The project was halted for nearly 1.5 years due to an ARCOP order, deemed 'illégitime' by the Cour suprême.
• AEE Power EPC has fulfilled its contractual obligations and is ready to resume work if the government complies with its obligations.
• Investigations were launched into Jean-Michel Sène's assets as part of the AEE Power case.

"Le gouvernement doit remplir ses obligations."

AEE Power EPC's José Ángel González Tausz defended Jean-Michel Sène in the ASER rural electrification project case, shifting the focus to the government's obligations. The project was halted for nearly 1.5 years due to an order from the Autorité de régulation de la commande publique (ARCOP), which was later deemed 'illégitime' by the Cour suprême. González Tausz attributed the delays to this interruption, not Sène's responsibility as ASER's director general. He arrived after the contract was signed under the previous regime.

AEE Power EPC has fulfilled its contractual obligations, confirmed by an 'exclusif'. The company has already engaged over $40 million with its suppliers, approximately 24 billion CFAF. González Tausz requested explanations for a €84 million envelope he valued at over 55 billion CFAF. He assured that his company possesses the necessary financial and technical means to resume work.

The difficulty lies in the availability of funding for the Sénégal government to complete the project, according to González Tausz.

The case involves the ASER rural electrification project, which was halted due to an ARCOP order. The Cour suprême later deemed this order 'illégitime'. AEE Power EPC's contractual obligations were confirmed by an 'exclusif', and the company has already engaged over $40 million with its suppliers.

The Sénégal government's obligations to provide administrative, legal, and financial support to contractors are crucial in large-scale infrastructure projects. Non-compliance can lead to project delays and disputes. The case highlights the importance of the public procurement regulation overseen by the Autorité de régulation de la commande publique (ARCOP) and Sénégal energy law.

Investigations were launched by the Section de recherches de Dakar into Jean-Michel Sène's assets on July 28, 2026, as part of the AEE Power case.

The case has significant implications for lawyers advising clients on large-scale infrastructure projects in Senegal. The government's failure to provide necessary support can lead to project delays and disputes.

AEE Power EPC is seeking the government's compliance with its obligations, including providing administrative, legal, and financial support to ASER. If met, the company is ready to resume work on the project.

The case underscores the importance of understanding the public procurement regulation overseen by the Autorité de régulation de la commande publique (ARCOP) and Sénégal energy law in ensuring successful project execution.

Lawyers advising clients on large-scale infrastructure projects in Senegal should watch for the government's obligations to provide administrative, legal, and financial support to contractors, as non-compliance can lead to project delays and disputes.

Source: Original reporting via Walf TV