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Senegal imposes travel ban on ministers
Senegal's government has barred ministers from all non-essential foreign trips in response to soaring oil prices triggered by the conflict in Iran, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Friday.
Oil prices strain Senegal's budget
Sonko revealed at a youth rally that the current cost of a barrel of oil is nearing double the amount projected in the national budget. He has personally postponed planned visits to Niger, Spain, and France as part of the austerity measures.
The mines minister is expected to unveil additional cost-cutting steps for government spending next week.
Regional impact of oil crisis
Senegal's move follows similar actions across Africa, where governments are scrambling to mitigate the effects of rising fuel costs. South Africa has reduced petrol taxes to cushion consumers, while Ethiopia faces fuel shortages that have forced some public institutions to send employees on unpaid leave.
In South Sudan, electricity rationing has been introduced in the capital, Juba, and Zimbabwe is increasing the ethanol blend in its fuel to stretch supplies.
Fertilizer shortages loom over East Africa
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route in the Persian Gulf, has disrupted global fertilizer supplies. Approximately 30% of the world's fertilizer exports pass through the strait, and the International Rescue Committee has warned of a "food security timebomb" for East Africa, which depends heavily on imports from the Middle East.
Debt and economic challenges
Despite Senegal's growing oil and gas sector, the country remains heavily reliant on fuel imports. The International Monetary Fund last year described Senegal's economy as "robust," citing near 8% growth and low inflation. However, public debt exceeds 130% of GDP, a legacy Sonko attributes to the previous administration, complicating efforts to manage the current crisis.
"I don't want to frighten you or put pressure on you. I want to give you a sense of this difficult world," Sonko told the youth audience, acknowledging the hardships while praising Senegalese resilience.
