Sierra Leone and Senegal have drafted a treaty in the fields of mining and energy as the two countries met in Saly, outside Dakar, from November 30 to December 1, 2025, to explore strategic opportunities that both nations could derive from enhanced cooperation.
The drafting session was held within the framework of strengthening the ties of friendship and cooperation between Senegal and Sierra Leone, in line with the outcomes of the state visit to Sierra Leone by the President of Senegal, His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and a follow-up visit by his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.
The Senegalese delegation was led by Birame Souleye Diop, Minister of Energy, Petroleum and Mines, while the Sierra Leonean delegation was headed by Edmond Nonie, Deputy Minister 1 of Energy.
Both heads of delegation underscored the importance of convening such a session, noting that it reflected the deep relationship between the two countries and their shared commitment to intra-African economic cooperation aimed at national development.
They also highlighted the long-standing fraternal ties between the peoples of both countries, who share common cultural and social values, as well as a mutual desire to transform physical boundaries into avenues of cooperation.
The delegations recalled the commitment made by the two Heads of State to strengthen collaboration in the mining and energy sectors during President Faye’s state visit to Sierra Leone on June 13, 2024. During that visit, several memoranda of understanding were signed in the fields of energy, mining, fisheries, agriculture, petroleum and gas, infrastructure and trade.
The heads of delegation further emphasized the need to transform their respective natural resources through medium- or long-term projects and contractual arrangements.
Both delegations jointly reviewed all provisions of the draft treaty and incorporated amendments to align with their national regulatory frameworks.
A committee responsible for finalising the draft treaty will oversee arrangements for the signing ceremony and monitor progress on domestic procedures required for ratification in each country. Once ratified by both parties, the committees established under the treaty will take charge of implementing the cooperation initiatives outlined in the agreement.
On Tuesday, December 2, the delegation briefed Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko at his office, where they updated him on the significant progress made.
Credit: Ishmael Bayoh Information Attachè, Sierra Leone Embassy Dakar, Senegal
