Politics 4 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Senegal Halts Non-Essential Ministerial Travel Amid Iran Conflict Oil Crisis
Senegal's government has banned non-essential foreign trips for ministers and senior officials due to surging global oil prices from the U.S.-Israeli-Iran war, which is severely straining public finances. Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko highlighted oil at $115 per barrel, far exceeding budget assumptions, and cancelled his own international plans. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/senegal-bans-govt-travel-as-iran-war-oil-shock-hits-public-finances-5413600
Senegal has imposed a ban on non-essential overseas travel for its ministers and high-ranking officials, citing dire financial pressures from skyrocketing oil prices triggered by the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
The war has led to Iran blocking the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global energy supplies and driving Brent crude to around $115 per barrel—nearly double the $62 budgeted by Senegal.
Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko made the announcement during a youth gathering in Mbour on Friday, stating no minister will travel abroad except for critical missions tied to ongoing work. He personally scrapped trips to Niger, Spain, and France.
Sonko noted that similar austerity steps, like fuel price hikes and subsidies, are being adopted worldwide and across West Africa to counter the crisis. Senegal, burdened by debt, is following suit.
Further actions will be revealed next week, with the Energy and Mines Minister set to outline mitigation strategies soon.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)