Senegal National Assembly launches inquiries into fishing licenses and tax exemptions

The Senegalese National Assembly has unanimously approved the creation of two parliamentary inquiry commissions to investigate financial and regulatory management.

The first commission will examine the granting and renewal of industrial fishing licenses since the 2015 Maritime Fishing Code. Lawmakers aim to investigate alleged anomalies, including discrepancies in declared gross tonnage used for fee calculations, the use of expired seaworthiness or insurance certificates, and the collection of unpaid fines. The inquiry will also assess whether scientific opinions and the consultative commission were properly consulted, alongside the transparency of authorized vessel lists.

The second commission will investigate the management of tax exemptions, reductions, and debt waivers dating back to January 1, 2014. This probe focuses on the impact of these decisions on public finances, specifically targeting industrial and mining sectors. Key cases include ADDAX Energy S.A., regarding a 100 billion CFA franc tax reassessment, and Sabodala Gold Operations (SGO), where a 140 billion CFA franc reassessment was allegedly reduced to 14 billion CFA francs. The dossier of Barrick Gold Corporation is also slated for review.