Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the official withdrawal of Kosmos Energy from the Yakaar-Teranga gas project on Thursday evening, following a negotiated agreement between the state, the energy firm, and the national oil company, PETROSEN.
Under the terms of this deal, which the Prime Minister noted was secured without any financial compensation paid by Senegal, PETROSEN is set to become the sole operator of the offshore block located near Cayar. The transition will be formalized through a ministerial decree, effectively granting the national company an exclusive license to manage one of the most significant gas assets in the country’s sedimentary basin.
Describing April 22, 2026, as a historic turning point, Sonko characterized the exit as a major victory for the government’s efforts to reclaim strategic national assets. The Yakaar-Teranga block had been a subject of contention for the current administration, which had previously expressed dissatisfaction with the terms under which the project was initially awarded. This move is a key component of a broader executive strategy to audit and renegotiate extractive industry contracts, led by a dedicated committee within the Prime Minister’s Office aimed at reviewing agreements signed under previous leadership.
The Prime Minister extended recognition to Energy Minister Birame Souleye Diop and PETROSEN Director General Alioune Guèye for their roles in the successful renegotiation process. By consolidating direct control over this resource, Senegal has significantly strengthened its position within the regional energy landscape. This development comes at a critical time as the nation’s gas sector continues to gain international momentum, signaling a firm commitment to sovereign management of its natural resources for the benefit of the state.
TE/lb/abj/APA