Senegal repays foreign debt installments early ahead of IMF mission
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal has made early repayments on two foreign currency bond installments just days before an International Monetary Fund mission is set to arrive in Dakar. The mission will continue discussions on a new financing program. According to Bloomberg, Senegal paid a 53.75 million euro coupon on a euro-denominated bond due in 2037 and a 38.8 million dollar payment on a dollar bond due in 2031. These payments were made ahead of their original due dates. This action occurs amid ongoing discussions between Senegalese authorities and the IMF to establish a new financial cooperation framework. An IMF mission is expected in Dakar from mid-June for technical discussions. The Minister of Finance and Budget, Cheikh Diba, stated on May 22 that the government aimed for an agreement on key negotiation points by the end of June. By honoring these financial commitments early, Senegal signals fiscal discipline and a desire to maintain international market confidence. Bloomberg reports that this move is seen as positive by investors, especially during ongoing negotiations with the IMF. Since the suspension of the previous program in 2024, Senegalese authorities have implemented reforms to strengthen fiscal transparency and public debt management. The current discussions are expected to lay the groundwork for a new support program tailored to the country's economic priorities.
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Following her announcement to retire from music, Abiba has taken further steps to confirm her career change by deleting all her music videos from online platforms and closing her YouTube channel. For several months, the former artist has been seen publicly wearing a hijab, indicating a more pronounced practice of her Muslim faith. This transformation is part of a personal journey, as she aims to live a life more in line with her religious convictions. By distancing herself from the music industry, Abiba is dedicating herself to her spirituality and adopting a lifestyle consistent with her chosen principles. This decision, widely discussed on social media, marks a new phase in her life, signaling a definitive end to her artistic career and the beginning of a new chapter.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye's election to lead the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS marks a new phase for Senegalese diplomacy. This presidency offers Dakar an opportunity to regain a leading role within the sub-regional organization, especially as ECOWAS faces one of its most severe crises. Dr. Omar Saliou L么, an expert in international relations and diplomacy who worked at ECOWAS for over a decade, stated that this election was not a surprise. He explained that the organization's presidency follows a rotation principle among member states. According to Dr. L么, the position was due to Senegal even before Sierra Leone. He noted that while it was Senegal's turn, Bassirou Diomaye Faye had just come to power and lacked the diplomatic experience needed to lead an organization dealing with a major crisis, particularly with the Alliance of Sahel States AES countries threatening to leave ECOWAS. Therefore, Dr. L么 believes this designation is not solely a result of recent Senegalese diplomatic initiatives, as it was already known that Senegal was slated for this presidency.
Ousmane Sonko, who joined Pastef in 2015, has announced his resignation from the Pastef Les Patriotes party. He held several positions, including national vice-coordinator of the JPS for political and militant life, coordinator of the JPS for the Mbour department, general secretary of Pastef Malicounda, general treasurer of JPS Malicounda, and head of the Pastef cell in Pointe Sar猫ne. He cited a decline in militant spirit and a shift towards political competition, stating he no longer recognizes the party he joined. Sonko mentioned 11 years of commitment marked by arrests, injuries, exile, and intimidation. He expressed gratitude to Pastef President Ousmane Sonko and Head of State Bassirou Diomaye Faye, affirming his desire to continue serving the general interest and hoping that Senegal's superior interest always prevails over partisan considerations.