IMF to send mission to Dakar for economic discussions following Ousmane Sonko's move to National Assembly

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