Senegalese Member of Parliament and former minister Thierno Alassane Sall has reignited debate over the legality of a contract awarded to the Spanish company AEE Power EPC, raising concerns about transparency and financial oversight in the country’s rural electrification efforts.
Thierno Alassane Sall claims that “the exemption mentioned is a recent invention,” arguing that SONAC’s agreement with AEE Power EPC lacks a clear legal foundation.
He alleges that despite several letters sent by ARCOP to the authorities, no formal written authorization has been produced.
The former minister also criticizes what he describes as “unjustified protection” granted to the Spanish company, claiming it undermines standard rules of transparency.
The MP further pointed to a 92-day delay in the payment of premiums, attributing the issue to a start-up advance funded by public resources. He also highlighted concerns expressed by Santander Bank, which guaranteed the financing, regarding the regularity of the contract and the appropriate use of the funds.
Despite responses from the Ministry of the Budget, Thierno Alassane Sall maintains his position.
He recently shared images from his trip to Spain, where he visited Santander Bank, but declined to participate in a televised debate initiated by the bank’s director, Jean Michel.
In response, the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER) has highlighted tangible progress on the ground.
The agency’s director shared images from Mangagourou Santo in the Sédhiou region, where the project with AEE Power EPC is being commissioned.
Accompanying photos showed exchanges with beneficiary residents and an invitation to a live broadcast later in the evening to showcase the project’s advancements.
The contrasting narratives reflect a broader tension in Senegalese politics: one side focused on alleged procedural irregularities, the other emphasising visible infrastructure improvements and community impact.
The future of the debate may hinge on the legal and administrative scrutiny of the MP’s claims, which could have lasting implications for transparency in public-private partnerships.
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