Senegal bans ministers from foreign travel as oil price rise bites

Following a surge in oil prices driven by the Iran conflict, Senegalese government ministers are now restricted from non-essential international travel, according to a statement by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The decision was made in response to the escalating costs of crude oil, which have nearly doubled the budgeted rate for a barrel of crude. Sonko, who addressed a youth rally on Friday, emphasized the financial strain on the country’s resources. He has also delayed his own visits to Niger and Spain as part of the new measures.

“I don’t want to frighten my audience or put pressure on them,” Sonko said. “Instead, I want to give them a sense of this world, which is a difficult world.” He added that while challenges persist, the Senegalese people remain resilient in the face of adversity.

Officials indicate further cost-cutting steps will be announced by the mines minister in the coming week, aimed at reducing overall government expenditure. Senegal’s economy, though described as robust by the International Monetary Fund last year with nearly 8% growth and low inflation, faces high public debt—over 130% of its annual economic output. Sonko attributed this burden to the previous administration, which he claimed left his government grappling with a more complex situation as oil costs climb.

Across Africa, nations have taken similar actions to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices. South Africa reduced petrol taxes this week to ease the burden on consumers, while Ethiopia’s fuel shortages have prompted some institutions to send staff on annual leave. South Sudan has begun rationing electricity in Juba, and Zimbabwe is increasing ethanol in its gasoline. Meanwhile, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf has disrupted global fertilizer supply chains, with 30% of this vital agricultural input passing through the region.

The International Rescue Committee warned this week that the fertilizer shortage poses a “food security timebomb,” particularly for East Africa, which depends on Middle Eastern imports. The ongoing crisis underscores the interconnected challenges facing the continent as energy costs rise and supply routes are affected by geopolitical tensions.

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