The Government of Senegal has suspended all non-essential foreign trips for ministers and senior officials after the sharp rise in global oil prices began affecting the country’s national budget.
The decision was announced by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, who said only trips considered essential and directly related to government duties will be authorized.
“No minister in my government will travel abroad again unless it is for an important mission related to the work we are doing,” Sonko stated.
The Prime Minister explained that global oil prices have surged significantly, with a barrel now costing around $115, while Senegal had projected a price of about $62 per barrel in its national budget.
Sonko also revealed that he personally cancelled several planned trips to Niger, Spain and France as part of efforts to reduce government spending.
“I myself have already suspended the trips I had planned in order to help the country reduce expenses during this period,” he said.
He added that the country is preparing for difficult economic conditions and emphasized that foreign travel by government officials will now be strictly limited to essential missions.
