diff --git a/deploy/externalsecret-senders.yaml b/deploy/externalsecret-senders.yaml
index de3ccab..dec7381 100644
--- a/deploy/externalsecret-senders.yaml
+++ b/deploy/externalsecret-senders.yaml
@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@ spec:
     kind: ClusterSecretStore
     name: openbao-audit-core
   target:
+    # Explicit target metadata prevents ESO copying source last-applied annotations.
+    template:
+      metadata: {}
     name: audit-core-senders
     creationPolicy: Owner
     deletionPolicy: Retain