Senegal solely signed for 254 billion FCFA debt for Sambangalou dam, benefiting four states

Senegal alone signed for a debt of 388 million euros 254,511,316,000 FCFA on behalf of four countries, but only Senegal's signature appears on the contracts. The other three nations, Gambia, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, are part of the project but not explicitly listed on the debt documents, meaning Senegalese taxpayers would bear the burden if the project fails. An official from the OMVG, referred to as "Amadou," stated that the project was presented as a symbol of regional cooperation, but Senegal has shouldered all the financial responsibility.

The dam, intended to provide 128 megawatts of electricity and irrigate 90,000 hectares, was contracted in 2022 with a consortium led by VINCI. However, work halted in January 2024 due to non-payment to the companies involved. Former employees, like "Ibrahima," reported months of unpaid invoices.

The OMVG confirmed that Senegal fully mobilized the financing for member states, with ten lenders involved, including the AfDB, IsDB, KfW, AFD, EIB, JICA, Kuwait Fund, BOAD, World Bank, and China Exim Bank. A Ministry of Finance official, speaking anonymously, called it a "time bomb," noting that Senegal assumed the debt without solid guarantees from other countries. The project also impacts 1,200 workers who are now in limbo, and 1,400 villagers from 13 villages 10 in Guinea, 3 in Senegal who were to be displaced but