Sonko warns Al Aminou Lo government over censorship threats

Dakar, July 13, 2026 — In a fiery address delivered Sunday in Touba during the inauguration of Pastef’s new headquarters, former Prime Minister and current National Assembly President Ousmane Sonko issued a stark warning to the government led by Al Aminou Lo. He accused the administration of prioritizing multinational interests over Senegal’s natural resources and vowed to introduce legislation requiring parliamentary approval for all future oil contracts.

Less than two months after his dismissal as Prime Minister by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko has now shifted his focus to the new government, leveraging his role as head of the National Assembly to exert pressure. Speaking in Wolof with uncharacteristic ferocity, he condemned what he described as a betrayal of the administration’s original economic sovereignty commitments, particularly concerning gas and phosphate management. Sonko alleged that the government, under the guise of improving the « business climate », is effectively « selling off » the country’s natural wealth to foreign corporations—specifically naming partnerships with BP and Kosmos. He drew parallels to the alleged mismanagement during former President Macky Sall’s tenure, arguing that these actions represent a continuation of past failures.

« We are well aware of the role he played in this political situation », Sonko remarked in early June regarding Al Aminou Lo. On Sunday, he escalated his rhetoric, threatening direct institutional consequences. « If they proceed with this, if they disregard the nation’s interests, we will bring down the government », he declared to thunderous applause, vowing to pursue motions of no-confidence until the administration reverses what he views as the plundering of Senegalese resources.

Parliament as a shield for hydrocarbons

To counter the government’s policies, Sonko announced the imminent introduction of a radical bill, spearheaded by a deputy from his party. The proposed legislation would mandate that all oil and gas block allocations receive prior approval from the National Assembly. « Before granting a petroleum block, it must first be brought to the Assembly for approval—ensuring it serves Senegal’s interests », he stated, citing Norway’s transparency model as inspiration.

This offensive aligns with Sonko’s longstanding crusade against opaque hydrocarbon deals. Even as Prime Minister in spring 2026, he spearheaded a high-profile audit campaign, exposing « inherited contracts » that violated the petroleum code and celebrating « major victories » in renegotiating blocks like Yakaar-Teranga. Today, he accuses the new government and recent leadership appointments—particularly at Petrosen—of attempting to derail these renegotiations.