Senegal Suspends Officials’ Foreign Travel

Senegal’s government has suspended all non-essential foreign travel for ministers and top officials as the country braces for economic challenges caused by rising global oil prices.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced the measure on Friday while addressing a youth event in Mbour.

Sonko cited crude oil trading near $115 per barrel, nearly double the $62 per barrel assumed in Senegal’s budget projections.

“No minister in my government will leave the country unless it is for an essential mission related to the work we are currently undertaking,” Sonko said.

Senegal Suspends Officials’ Foreign Travel . Credit: Mint

He added that he had cancelled his own planned trips to Niger, Spain, and France.

The prime minister noted that governments across West Africa and the world have been implementing measures such as fuel price adjustments, subsidies, and remote work in response to the crisis.

Sonko said additional measures would be announced next week, with the Energy and Mines Minister expected to provide further details on efforts to mitigate the impact of the price shock.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.