Turkish-Senegalese trade deal under fire

By Alaattin Dogru

DAKAR (AA) - Before it has been finalized, a recent trade pact between Senegal and a Turkish company is under fire from some politicians in the West African nation.

Turkey’s Tosyali Holding sealed a $2 billion iron and steel investment pact with Senegal’s Mines and Geology Ministry during a Turkey-Africa Economy and Business Forum earlier this month.

But ahead of Senegal’s February presidential elections, some challengers to incumbent Macky Sall wrote an open letter demanding that the deal not be finalized.

The politicians argued that it is unethical to sign such a deal when the president has only four months in office.

The letter made headlines in such Francophone outlets as RFI and Jeune Afrique.

The final deal between Tosyali and Senegal was planned to be signed this week but postponed, reportedly due to Sall’s busy schedule.

Amadou Camara, the head of local iron mining firm MIFERSO, told Anadolu Agency that they are preparing to welcome a delegation from the Turkish company and the delay is not a political.

"As the candidates are politicians, they made this issue into campaign fodder,” he said.

“This project is too big to be exploited for politics. It is also a great gain for Senegal. The agreement will be signed in the next 15 days."