Sonko warns Al Aminou Lo government over oil contract censorship

Dakar, July 13, 2026 — In a fiery address delivered on Sunday during the inauguration of the Pastef headquarters in Touba, former Prime Minister and current National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko issued a stark warning to Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo. Sonko accused the government of undermining Senegal’s economic sovereignty, particularly in oil and gas contracts, threatening to initiate a vote of no confidence if national interests are not protected.

Less than two months after his dismissal from the Prime Minister’s office by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko—now presiding over the National Assembly—delivered a blunt ultimatum to the new administration. Speaking in Wolof, he condemned what he described as a betrayal of the government’s initial commitments to economic sovereignty, especially regarding phosphate and gas management.

Sonko accused the government of prioritizing « business climate » over national interests, alleging that it is « selling off » the country’s natural resources to multinational corporations, specifically naming partners BP and Kosmos. He drew parallels to the controversial policies of former President Macky Sall, warning that such actions could not be tolerated under the current leadership.

« We are well aware of his role in this political situation », Sonko remarked in early June regarding Al Aminou Lo. On Sunday, he escalated his rhetoric, directly threatening institutional action. « If they proceed this way and fail to uphold the country’s interests, we will bring down this government », he declared to cheering supporters, vowing to repeat the motion of no confidence as many times as necessary to prevent what he sees as a sellout of Senegalese interests.

Using Parliament as a shield for hydrocarbons

To counter the government’s policies, Sonko announced plans to introduce a radical bill through a deputy from his party. The proposed legislation would require parliamentary approval for any future oil or gas block allocations. « Before awarding an oil block, it must first be brought to the National Assembly for approval to ensure it serves Senegal’s interests », he stated, citing Norway’s transparent model as an example.

This offensive aligns with Sonko’s long-standing battle over hydrocarbon contracts. While serving as Prime Minister earlier this year, he spearheaded a high-profile audit of inherited contracts, exposing irregularities and celebrating major victories in renegotiating blocks such as Yakaar-Teranga. Today, he accuses the new government—and recent appointments, including at the helm of Petrosen—of attempting to halt these renegotiations.