IMF to send mission to Dakar for economic discussions following Ousmane Sonko's move to National Assembly
via SeneNews2 min read
The International Monetary Fund IMF announced it will send a mission to Senegal to continue technical discussions with authorities on the country's economic and financial situation. According to Julie Kozack, Director of the IMF's Communications Department, a team is expected in Dakar during the week of June 15. These technical discussions aim to achieve a common understanding of macroeconomic perspectives, Senegal's financing needs, and its reform priorities. The IMF also stated that these exchanges should address the vulnerability of Senegalese debt and that the institution remains engaged in discussions with authorities regarding their request for a new cooperation program. This announcement follows recent changes at the head of the state, with former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko now serving as President of the National Assembly. Ousmane Sonko recently reiterated his opposition to a potential debt restructuring, stating he discussed the matter with the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who assured him that neither he nor the Minister of Finance, Cheikh Diba, had made commitments to the IMF for debt restructuring. Sonko indicated he would remain vigilant on the issue. In May, Minister of Finance Cheikh Diba explained that discussions with the IMF required more time, as the institution was taking a cautious approach following the "misreporting" of economic data. The Senegalese government and the IMF are continuing their exchanges to find common ground on fina
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Cheikh Diba officially took office on Thursday, June 4, 2026, as the Minister of Economy, Finance, and Planning. This appointment follows the merger of the Ministry of Economy and Planning, and the Ministry of Finance and Budget, a decision made during the recent government reshuffle. He succeeds Abdourahmane Sarr, while Diba himself leaves his former position as Minister of Finance and Budget to lead this new strategic department. The handover ceremony took place in a relaxed atmosphere at the Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, which will now operate under a new name. During the solemn meeting, the outgoing minister, Abdourahmane Sarr, presented his achievements, focusing on the implementation of a sovereignty policy. Sarr reflected positively on his tenure despite a tense national economic context, highlighting Senegal's ingenuity in meeting strict demands. His work in theorizing and implementing economic sovereignty was also acknowledged by his colleagues present at the handover. Sarr stated that the ceremony was a normal step in the life of a state, emphasizing that "the projects do not belong to me; they belong to Senegal." Abdourahmane Sarr also expressed satisfaction with the re-establishment of the Ministry of Economy, Finance, and Planning, believing that this merger will facilitate synergy and a coherent, constant dynamic. For his part, the incoming minister, Cheikh Diba, accompanied by his new collaborators Allé Nar Diop and Bassirou Sarr, responsible
The French national team will play Ivory Coast in Nantes on Thursday, marking the first of two preparation matches for the 2026 World Cup. This game offers coach Didier Deschamps an opportunity to assess his squad, and Kylian Mbappé a chance to potentially surpass Olivier Giroud's goal-scoring record for France. The match against the 2024 AFCON winners will serve as a preliminary test for the French team, who are set to depart for their Boston base camp next week. While definitive conclusions might be difficult to draw due to players' concerns about injuries, Deschamps expects full commitment from his team as the countdown to their World Cup opener against Senegal on June 16 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, begins. The squad is still gelling, with some players having joined training only recently. Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué, and William Saliba, who participated in the Champions League final, are expected to be rested. Saliba is also dealing with a back issue. The other three Champions League finalists, Bradley Barcola, Lucas Hernandez, and Warren Zaïre-Emery, might see some playing time. Deschamps stated he would manage the playing time of the six players involved in the Champions League final, especially those who started the match, considering their physical and psychological state. Saliba's absence could lead to a Dayot Upamecano-Ibrahima Konaté partnership in central defense against Ivory Coast's young attackers. Kylian Mbappé, who had a trophy-less season with Real Madr
Must ReadOusmane Sonko, the president of the National Assembly, met with Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde Kyenge, the president of the Executive Committee of the African Parliamentary Union UPA, on Thursday, June 4. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the 85th session of the UPA Executive Committee, focused on strengthening the organization's effectiveness and harmonizing its actions with those of the African Union. Sonko proposed reforms to enhance the UPA's influence on the continent's political and institutional directions, emphasizing the need for greater coherence between the UPA's and the African Union's decisions and recommendations to improve the effectiveness of African institutions amidst various challenges facing the continent.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye has called for peace and national unity, emphasizing the importance of preserving the bonds that unite Senegal. This appeal comes amidst a political crisis with former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, whom President Faye dismissed on May 22 after months of disagreements. Both men were long-time companions who later came into conflict. On Tuesday evening, Mr. Sonko, who is the leader of the majority party in Senegal and became President of the Assembly on May 26, stated during a press conference that he is in a "cohabitation situation" with President Faye. Mr. Sonko remarked, "He Faye does not have all the powers. He needs to come down from his pedestal and we need to talk." Speaking at a national tribute on Thursday to former President Abdoulaye Wade, who was in power from 2000 to 2012 and turned 100 on May 29, President Faye directly addressed Mr. Wade, saying, "you taught us that a quarrel, however intense, does not warrant tearing apart the country we share." He added, "Learn that serving its youth will always be better than using it." President Faye was applauded several times during his speech, particularly when making implicit references to the country's political uncertainty and his split with Mr. Sonko. He stressed that "democracy is not spoils that one seizes and jealously guards. Democracy is a flame that is passed from hand to hand and must never be allowed to extinguish." President Faye also cited Mr. Wade's teaching that "today's adve