Transparency International has called on the international community to begin investigations of deals made for two oil blocks off the coast of Senegal. 

The anti graft body raised its concerns on Thursday in a statement on their website, noting that complaints have been filed in six jurisdictions

“It is critical that the available evidence is promptly examined by the authorities in countries that have jurisdiction over the case: Australia, Romania, Malaysia, Singapore, UK and the U.S.2012,” the statement said. 

The anti-corruption body notes that Senegalese authorities have been stalling on fully investigating the situation and holding perpetrators accountable.

The call follows investigations carried out by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and BBC Africa Eye in 2019. The investigation exposed details surrounding the 2012 sale of concession rights for the Deep St. Louis and Deep Cayar offshore blocks, off the coast of Senegal.

These revelations implicated the incumbent president of Senegal, Macky Sall, his brother, Aliou Sall, and the son of the former president.

According to the reports,  Romanian-Australian businessman Frank Timis allegedly bribed Senegalese officials in efforts to acquire access to lucrative oil and gas reserves under extremely favourable conditions. Mr Timis has since denied any wrongdoing.

The release of these findings prompted protests in Senegal, resulting in the resignation of Mr Sall’s brother Aliou Sall from public office. Mr Aliou denied receiving secret payments, these allegations were dropped as the investigation into Mr Sall’s role was dismissed by a judge in December 2020.

However, Transparency International urges members of the six jurisdictions where the case lies to continue investigation, as the allegations remain unresolved. 

Birahim Seck, Coordinator of Forum Civil, Transparency International’s national chapter in Senegal, said: “People of Senegal deserve transparency and integrity when it comes to how their natural resources are handled. These oil and gas reserves have the potential to transform Senegal and lift millions from poverty. And yet, they have been sold to a convicted offender who has reportedly repeatedly lied to communities and investors, all the while engaging in dubious business dealings with public officials.”