Senegal commission rejects budget bill again
Lawmakers cite concerns over energy sector funding and potential fuel shortages.
Senegal's National Assembly finance commission rejected the revised budget bill for the third time on Friday evening. The proposed legislation, which adjusts the 2026 budget mid-year, was due for a plenary vote on Tuesday, October 27. The government had requested a further commission review to seek a compromise after facing criticism from its own parliamentary majority.
The Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning warned that rejecting the bill could lead to fuel shortages and repeated power outages. The special fund for the energy sector, initially allocated 250 billion FCFA, has already exhausted its credits. Debts owed for commercial losses and fuel purchases by Senelec, the national electricity company, are nearing 320 billion FCFA.
To prevent supply disruptions, the government proposed an additional 540.3 billion FCFA in the revised budget for the energy fund. This aims to cover compensation for oil operators and electricity production costs. The total proposed support for the energy sector in the revised bill stands at 790.3 billion FCFA, including funds from the initial budget and other hydrocarbon support measures.
Why it mattersSenegalese citizens face potential fuel shortages and power outages due to the rejection of the revised budget bill.