Germany's Scholz Seeks To Pursue Energy Projects With Senegal Amid Russian Supply Uncertainties

Senegal's President Macky Sall (right) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hold a press conference at the presidential palace in Dakar on May 22.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country wants to “intensively” pursue gas and renewable energy projects with West African nation Senegal amid uncertainties with Russian supplies following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

"It is a matter worth pursuing intensively," Scholz said on May 22 at a news conference with Senegalese President Macky Sall during his first trip as chancellor to Africa.

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Senegal, a country of some 16 million people, has billions of cubic meters of gas reserves and is expected to become a major gas producer in the region.

Berlin is seeking to reduce its heavy reliance on Russia for gas following the country’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

Scholz says his country has initiated talks with Senegal concerning gas extraction and liquefied natural gas.

Prior to his arrival, a German government official said Germany could help explore a gas field in Senegal.

Berlin has invited both Senegal, which currently holds the rotating chairmanship of the African Union, and South Africa to attend the G7 summit in Germany in June as guest nations.

Both countries abstained from voting on a UN resolution against Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sall, speaking in his role as African Union chairman, said many African countries did not want to take sides in the war.

"Very clearly, we want peace," he said. "We're working for a de-escalation. We're working for a cease-fire, for dialogue.... That is the African position."

The war in Ukraine -- a major grains and food supplier for the world -- has sparked supply disruptions that have pushed up food and energy prices in Africa.

Sall said he would travel to Russia and Ukraine soon on behalf of the African Union.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP