Senegal state poised to regain control of West African Energy power plant
via SeneNews2 min read
The Senegalese state is reportedly close to reacquiring control of the West African Energy WAE power plant, a significant private project integrated into the national electricity grid. A crucial meeting is scheduled between the general management of Senelec and WAE promoters to finalize the transfer terms. This sensitive operation involves substantial financial and energy implications that could alter the sector's balance. Senelec trade unionists reportedly discussed this development with colleagues the day before. The Cap des Biches plant has a capacity of 366 MW, representing approximately a quarter of the country's installed power, and required an investment of an estimated 283 billion CFA francs over four years. Its commissioning brought the total national production capacity to 2,881 MW. Private producers still dominate Senegal's electricity system, accounting for about 60% of production, which reignites debates on energy sovereignty. WAE uses gas as its primary fuel source, a shift from older heavy fuel oil plants, aiming to reduce electricity production costs. Industry sources suggest gas-produced kilowatt-hour costs could be around 47 CFA francs, lower than fuel oil plants, potentially benefiting Senelec and consumers. However, uncertainties remain, including the plant's reliance on more expensive diesel as a backup and the exact terms of the state's takeover. The precise details of the agreement with project promoters, including Samuel Sarr, Harouna Dia, Moustapha Nd
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The Director General of the National Police, Police Inspector General Mame Seydou Ndour, delivered a conference at the Senegal Defense Institute on the challenges of irregular migration. The audience included officers from the Superior War School and trainees from the Staff College. Welcomed by the Institute's director, Brigadier General Abdou Latif Kamara, Ndour's presentation focused on "The fight against irregular migration: challenges, operational response, and perspectives, the example of Senegal." His intervention combined an analytical approach with an operational dimension. Ndour began by outlining the migratory phenomenon and its recent developments. Drawing on his experience as head of the Border Police, he detailed the strategies implemented by security forces, which are based on a strengthened legal framework and field actions. Operational data from the past three years was also presented, illustrating the intensification of the National Police's efforts against a constantly evolving transnational phenomenon. Mame Seydou Ndour concluded by discussing future prospects, including strengthening national measures and deepening international cooperation. The event included an interactive exchange with participants and concluded with the presentation of a symbolic gift to the Director General of the National Police, his signing of the institution's guestbook, and a group photo.
Must ReadThe Conference of Presidents of the National Assembly of Senegal, meeting on Friday, April 24, 2026, established the legislative work schedule for the coming weeks. Two proposed laws are on the agenda. The first, referenced 11/2026, is considered a priority and concerns the modification of articles L29 and L30 of the Electoral Code. This proposal, introduced under an urgent procedure, will be examined by a technical commission on Saturday, April 25, at 9:00 AM, before being presented in a plenary session on Tuesday, April 28, starting at 10:00 AM. This session will be followed by the ratification of the list of members of the permanent committee for the evaluation of public policies. The second proposal, numbered 10/2026, involves a revision of article 118 of the Internal Regulations of the National Assembly. Its technical commission review is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, at 3:00 PM, with its examination in a plenary session set for Friday, May 8, at 10:00 AM.
Must ReadIn Mauritania, the death of Fatimata Hamady Ba, whose body was found in a peripheral district of Nouakchott between April 18 and 19, has sparked widespread indignation from civil society. The AFP reported that police discovered the body. This incident, widely shared on social media, has caused significant emotional reactions in the conservative country, where discussions about violence against women and gender equality have been ongoing for several years. The exact circumstances of her death are still under investigation. An anonymous judicial police source, cited by AFP, stated that Ba was "neither raped nor killed" and died from an overdose after drug use in the main suspect's apartment. Despite this, several civil society organizations are condemning the case as another instance of violence against women. The Mauritanian Association for the Promotion of Girls' Education expressed "deep indignation and legitimate anger," describing it as the "brutal assassination of Fatimata Hamady Ba, raped and killed." The association views this "heinous crime" as part of an "unacceptable series of violence against women in Mauritania." Human rights activist Elkory Sneiba urged the state to "take its responsibilities to contain this wave of insecurity." Deputy Khali Diallo expressed his profound emotion, referencing similar cases in recent years and highlighting the stalled "karama" dignity bill, which aims to criminalize violence against women and has been awaiting approval in the Nation
The Senegalese Football Federation FSF hosted His Excellency Ridha Nebais, Ambassador of the Republic of Algeria to Senegal, on Thursday for an official visit focused on enhancing sports cooperation between the two nations. During the meeting, the FSF expressed gratitude to the Algerian people for their support and solidarity, particularly following Senegal's victory on January 18, 2025, in Rabat, which was highlighted as a strong symbol of fraternity. The FSF also commended the Algerian diplomat's efforts to foster closer ties between the football federations of both countries. These initiatives aim to increase exchanges, share expertise, and develop joint projects to benefit football. This engagement builds upon the historical friendship and cooperation between Senegal and Algeria, paving the way for new opportunities in the development and influence of African football globally.