Alleged scandal at ASER: The Sunu 37 Billion collective calls for mobilizations in the affected villages

The Sunu 37 Billion collective is raising its voice in the case related to the village electrification program run by the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER). In a press release, it calls on the populations of the beneficiary localities to organize, "in accordance with the law," a series of peaceful demonstrations to demand explanations regarding the management of the 37 billion CFA francs allocated to the program.

For the group, "the time for hesitation is over" and the time for "truth and accountability" has arrived. They are therefore calling on members of parliament, local elected officials, beneficiary populations, citizens' organizations, civil society, and members of the press to mobilize around this issue.

The group is demanding, in particular, the full publication of the list of villages concerned, detailed information on the use of the 37 billion CFA francs, as well as the actual state of implementation of the program, village by village.

He also requests the publication of contracts, amendments, payments and guarantees related to the project, as well as clarification of any additional sums involved and the determination of responsibilities.

The group also revisits what it presents as an additional 1.5 billion CFA francs granted to the Spanish company AEE Power EPC. According to Sunu 37 milliards, this additional payment raises questions, given that the execution of contractual commitments remains unclear and several villages are still waiting for electrification.

"No additional financial favors can be justified until the execution of the initial contract and the use of the sums already committed have been clarified," the group believes.

He specifically cites the localities of Ndiatta Ngoye, in Bambey, Thiadabi, Thiadabi 2 and Ndairy, in Fatick, Thiakhathie Mouride, in Koungheul, as well as Bouhinor, in Bignona, among the villages which, according to him, are still waiting for the promised electrification.

The group also wants the issue to move beyond the institutional and political circles of Dakar. It calls on members of parliament to visit the affected areas to meet with residents and fulfill their oversight role in government action.

"Behind the 37 billion, there are villages. Behind the villages, there are families," the group emphasizes, stressing the right of the people to access electricity.

The Sunu 37 Billion collective is finally asking the competent authorities to publish the contractual and financial documents related to the program and to shed full light on the matter.

In conclusion, the group calls for transparency: "We are not asking for favors or privileges. We are asking for the truth."