Senegal's candidacy for membership in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) reflects an ambition that is more political than energy-related. With an expected production of around 100,000 barrels per day at its peak, the country remains a modest player compared to the cartel's giants. But the challenge lies elsewhere: joining OPEC means seeking to establish a presence on the geopolitical scene, positioning itself as a stable, credible country that is a stakeholder in global energy discussions.

This accession strategy is part of a desire to place Senegal's emerging oil sector within a structuring multilateral framework, projecting an image of predictability and control. But this image remains fragile. The ongoing dispute with the Australian company Woodside over the Sangomar project, the country's first offshore deposit, is a reminder of the contractual uncertainties that still weigh on the governance of the extractive sector.

Within OPEC, credibility is not measured solely in barrels, but in institutional stability, clarity of commitments, and regularity of flows. Senegal, which is just beginning its trajectory as a producer country, will therefore have to demonstrate its ability to honor contracts, ensure a secure investment climate, and avoid exporting its internal fragilities to an organization accustomed to delicate balances.

Joining OPEC doesn't mean influencing global quotas, but rather entering a circle where alliances, trade-offs, and collective positions are decided. For a country still in the consolidation phase, this can offer a form of diplomatic capital. It remains to be seen whether this symbolic gain will be undermined by repeated legal tensions and technical uncertainties.