Ousmane Sonko, Senegal’s recently ousted prime minister turned National Assembly speaker, has moderated his previously hardline opposition to debt restructuring as International Monetary Fund talks resume. In interviews with French outlets RFI and France 24, Sonko acknowledged worsening economic conditions and said policymakers must respond pragmatically, a notable shift from his November declaration that IMF-backed restructuring would be a “disgrace.” Senegal’s debt reached 132% of GDP at the end of 2024 after revelations that debt levels had been significantly understated under former President Macky Sall. That revelation had resulted in the IMF’s suspension of a prior $1.8 billion lending program. Although Sonko retains significant political influence in his new role—and could obstruct President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s reform agenda—he insisted he is “not here to obstruct.” Nevertheless, he warned against measures that compromise Senegal’s long-term economic trajectory.
Reuters
