GTA Gas: Greenpeace Africa calls on the State to take responsibility

Faced with disagreements with BP regarding Senegal's interests in gas exploitation, the government has called for the mobilization of civil society. Indeed, during his general policy statement, the Prime Minister invited civil society to mobilize to compel BP to respect Senegal's rights in the Grand Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project.

This appeal has not gone unnoticed by Greenpeace Africa, which reminds the PM that their organization did not wait for the government's call to denounce the impacts of the extractive industry and defend the affected communities.

The NGO points out that civil society and fishing communities have already taken action against the social and environmental impacts of extractive activities. "We are pleased that those who accused us yesterday of being hostile to development when we denounced the excesses of BP, Woodside, and the extractive industry are now discovering the true face of the fossil fuel industry. These destructive industries are capable of imposing their interests on states, undermining their sovereignty, and relegating the interests of affected populations to the back burner," says Greenpeace Africa.

The statement recalls that the concerns of the fishermen of Saint-Louis were brought in particular to the British office of the OECD, which recognized the legitimacy of their approach and considered that their grievances deserved a thorough examination.

However, Greenpeace Africa believes that the state should not only call upon civil society when its negotiations with multinationals encounter difficulties. "Civil society has already documented the harm, supported communities, and amplified their voices. It will continue to hold the multinational accountable, but it cannot become a mere auxiliary force that the state mobilizes only when its own negotiations run into difficulties," the organization stated.

The NGO calls on the government to publish the contractual clauses invoked in its dispute with BP and to use all available legal, contractual and diplomatic remedies.

Greenpeace also demands that fishermen's rights, the protection of marine ecosystems and compensation for damages be taken into account in any potential agreement on Senelec's supply.

The organization also advocates for genuine energy sovereignty based on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and the protection of communities.

"Senegal must build a clean, affordable and sovereign energy system based on the development of renewable energies, energy efficiency and the protection of communities. Yes, BP must back down. But the State must act, make contracts transparent and place the interests of the people at the heart of every decision."

"Civil society, for its part, will continue its fight in accordance with its mission," concludes Greenpeace Africa.

Khady Ndoye