Continental Focus, International Reach

Sonatrach Turns to Sufi Masters for Shale Aid

Monday, November 12, 2018

In an attempt to finally see shale oil exploration in Algeria move forward, Sonatrach has turned to Sufi preachers to help win over the locals.

Sonatrach CEO AbdelmoumenOuldKaddourare now courting Sunni Muslim Sufi masters, through meetings, from communities in areas near prospective southern gas fields to win over locals worried about possible disruption from exploration work.

The state-run firm officials explain the process of shale exploration and promote the prospect of jobs and other benefits for the locals.

“Sonatrach has to show it cares about people. We appreciate that it invites us to attend its gatherings and conferences in the south,” Sufi master Bayziz Ibrahim said at a Sonatrach meeting at Ouargla, near Algeria’s biggest oilfield HassiMessaoud.

Sonatrach has promised to build new public facilities, such as a cultural center, hospital, and stadium in the region, according to a Reuters report.

They have also pointed out that thousands of jobs have been created in the energy industry and related work to youths in the south during the past 15 months, with additional opportunities on the way.

In October, Sonatrach reached a deal with BP and Equinor(formerly Statoil) to develop Algeria’s shale gas reserves, estimated to be the world’s third largest. The state-run firm is also looking to sign a similar agreement with US supermajor ExxonMobil.


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