Forvis Mazars report on Senegal's hidden debt questioned after IMF statements
via SeneNews5 min read
The Forvis Mazars report on Senegal's public debt is facing new scrutiny following statements from Julie Kozack, the IMF's Director of Communications. While the IMF has not publicly disavowed the report, Kozack's mention of a potential new audit by an international private firm raises questions about the transparency of the process and the completeness of the existing report. The Forvis Mazars report, commissioned by the Senegalese state after revelations from the Court of Auditors, assessed public debt from 2018-2024. Its findings led to a significant re-evaluation of the debt-to-GDP ratio, reaching 132% by the end of December 2024. This report has been the reference for Senegalese authorities in reconciling data. However, the report has never been fully published, with figures primarily sourced from official budget documents, information shared with the IMF, and media leaks. This lack of full disclosure fuels concerns about transparency. The IMF's suggestion of a new audit is seen more as a step towards international validation and credibility rather than a rejection of Forvis Mazars' technical work. The institution continues to rely on the figures from the reconciliation, which are now integrated into the Ministry of Finance's main documents. The IMF has emphasized the need to finalize the audit of arrears, strengthen budgetary controls, and consolidate ongoing reforms. In a politically polarized environment, the succession of audits, the absence of full report publication
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Senegal has qualified for the 2026 World Cup round of 16, but their next opponent is still unknown. The outcome of the match between Ghana and Croatia could affect Senegal's path. While this match doesn't directly involve Senegal, a victory for Ghana would alter the standings in Group L. If Ghana finishes ahead of Croatia, it would reconfigure the final bracket set by FIFA, leading to a new distribution of round of 16 matchups. This could indirectly influence Senegal's opponent, as they qualified as one of the best third-placed teams. However, the Ghana-Croatia result alone will not determine Senegal's fate. Other factors remain crucial, including whether the Democratic Republic of Congo qualifies among the best third-placed teams, and the final standings of several groups, particularly Group K, where Colombia and Portugal are still vying for first place. A Ghana victory could shift potential adversaries for Senegal, but it would not automatically designate their next opponent. Current projections suggest Senegal will face the winner of Group K, either Colombia or Portugal. Another scenario could see them play Belgium, while a match against England appears increasingly unlikely.
As the World Cup 2026 group stage concludes, England and Portugal are aiming for vital victories to secure favorable positions in the knockout rounds. England needs a win against Panama to top Group L and build momentum, especially after a mixed performance including a 4-2 win over Croatia and a 0-0 draw with Ghana. Their group also features a match between Ghana and Croatia, which could impact England's final standing. If England finishes first, they will face one of the best third-placed teams, while a second-place finish could lead to a more challenging match, possibly against Portugal or Colombia. In Group K, Portugal faces Colombia, with the top spot at stake. Colombia, currently leading with six points, aims to maintain their position to secure an easier opponent in the next round. Portugal, after a draw with DR Congo and a 5-0 win against Uzbekistan, needs to elevate their performance against Colombia to avoid controversy, particularly concerning 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo's role. Meanwhile, world champions Argentina, already assured of first place in Group J after wins against Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, will play Jordan without pressure. Lionel Messi, 39, who has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament, is expected to start on the bench. Argentina is preparing for a Round of 16 match against Cape Verde, a surprise team that qualified with three draws, including a 0-0 against Saudi Arabia. Cape Verde, after drawing with Spain 0-0 and Uruguay 2-2, wi
BreakingA devastating double earthquake in Venezuela has resulted in at least 1,430 deaths and over 50,000 missing, triggering a major humanitarian crisis. The quakes, measuring magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5, struck the northern part of the country on Wednesday, leaving widespread destruction, particularly in the coastal city of La Guaira, near Caracas. The President of the National Assembly, Jorge Rodriguez, confirmed the death toll and reported 3,238 injured. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with families of victims bringing their deceased loved ones to morgues due to the strained system. A newborn was rescued from the rubble 32 hours after the quakes. The United Nations estimates that nearly seven million people are affected, with the International Organization for Migration stating that up to 6.76 million people could have been impacted, including two million in Caracas alone. The United Nations Development Programme assesses the damage at nearly seven billion dollars, approximately 6% of the country's GDP. Tom Fletcher, UN humanitarian aid official, stated that the death toll is expected to rise significantly given the complex rescue operation. International search and rescue teams from at least 17 countries have begun to arrive, with the United States deploying a 250-person team and offering 150 million dollars in aid. Among the deceased are individuals of Portuguese, Chinese, Spanish, Brazilian, Chilean, and Italian-Venezuelan nationalities. Interim President Delcy Rodr铆guez announced the