Could be one of the reasons why no one has any answers about this liscence atm. Hopefully everything gets sorted out in a couple weeks when all party ventures meet up.
https://dialogue.earth/en/business/who-benefits-from-senegals-offshore-oil-drilling/
Senegal’s fossil fuels, Europe’s gain?
Though Senegal’s domestic gas could eventually supply local markets and potentially replace expensive imports of oil, questions remain over who will ultimately profit from the country’s current fossil fuel projects.
After taking office in April, Senegalese president Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced an audit of the oil, gas and mining sectors, but reassured fossil fuel investors they are welcome in the country. Other politicians and industry figures have touted economic benefits, and Woodside says it has already spent some USD 177 million with local suppliers and created 4,400 local jobs.
But the oil and gas itself has largely been earmarked for export. After breaking ties with Russia, many western countries have turned to African countries with gas and oil potential like Senegal for their energy needs.
Bassírou Diomaye Diakhar Faye behind podium
Senegal’s president Bassirou Diomaye Faye has promised to audit oil and gas deals to make sure they benefit the country
“African countries mainly produce gas and oil for Western nations, to the detriment of their citizens, who receive limited benefits from the revenue,” says Amos Wemanya, a climate and energy activist based in Nairobi.
Australian-headquartered Woodside has an 82% interest in the Sangomar field, with state-owned Petrosen holding the remaining 18%. Other parts of the drilling area are divided 90/10 in favour of the former.
“This project illustrates the disproportionate control foreign entities have over Senegal’s natural resources,” says Wafa Misrar, an environmental chemist and policy officer at Climate Action Network Africa.
Prime minister Ousmane Sonko recently announced the establishment of a commission to review Senegal’s oil and gas contracts, and promised to “re-examine them and work to rebalance them, obviously in the national interest”.
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