Senegal’s new agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sparked heated debate in the country’s National Assembly, with opposition lawmakers questioning the government’s decision to work with the global lender.
Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo defended the government’s three-year, $2.2 billion IMF program while presenting his general policy statement to lawmakers on Tuesday.
Lo argued that Senegal needs the IMF’s support to address its economic challenges and manage the country’s debt situation.
But lawmakers opposed to President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s Kiiray party strongly criticized the agreement.
PASTEF lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna accused the government of compromising Senegal’s sovereignty by relying on the IMF. He argued that the country should pursue economic policies that reduce its dependence on international lenders.
Senegal is currently facing around $3.5 billion in payment arrears. According to Lo, the IMF agreement will help restructure the country’s debt by extending repayment periods and renegotiating interest rates.
The government is also renegotiating about 30 mining contracts as part of broader efforts to improve Senegal’s finances.
The IMF dispute comes amid growing political tensions between President Faye and his former prime minister and PASTEF leader, Ousmane Sonko, who now serves as speaker of the National Assembly.
The disagreement over the IMF program adds another layer to the political rift, as Senegal’s leaders face mounting pressure to find solutions to the country’s financial challenges.#newsafro_
