Jean-Michel Sène denies rumors of travel ban and airport blockage

Jean-Michel Sène, the former Director General of the Senegalese Rural Electrification Agency (ASER), has formally denied rumors claiming he was subject to a travel ban or blocked at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD).

Following his recent departure from ASER, reports circulated on social media suggesting he had been prevented from leaving the country. Sène addressed these claims directly, stating, “I have received no exit ban, let alone been blocked at AIBD,” noting that his last visit to the airport was in December 2025. He characterized the reports as unfounded rumors and a campaign of slander.

Sène was replaced at the head of ASER by Pape Momar Ngom during a Council of Ministers meeting on September 10, 2026. The leadership change follows scrutiny regarding ASER projects, specifically a rural electrification initiative involving the Spanish company AEE Power. Sène has indicated he intends to focus on political activities following his exit from the agency.