The International Monetary Fund (IMF) took centre stage in Senegal’s National Assembly on Tuesday as Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo delivered his general policy statement.
Just a week after Senegal reached a $2.2 billion, 36-month agreement with the Bretton Woods institution, the prime minister defended the partnership, describing it as essential to restoring the country’s public finances.
In his address, Lo outlined a new economic strategy based on prioritising high-impact projects, strengthening fiscal discipline, increasing state revenues, streamlining public spending and improving debt management.
According to the prime minister, the measures are intended to restore a sustainable balance to Senegal’s public finances and strengthen the country’s economic position.
IMF deal sparks criticism within ruling majority
The government’s defence of the IMF agreement, however, drew strong criticism, including from within the presidential majority.
Pastef lawmaker Guy Marius Sagna accused the government of abandoning the party’s previous commitments to economic sovereignty.
Speaking from the parliamentary floor, Sagna accused the government of placing Senegal “under the control of the IMF” and went as far as portraying the prime minister as a representative of the international financial institution’s interests.
The criticism highlights the political sensitivity surrounding the agreement, particularly within a ruling camp that has repeatedly emphasised greater economic sovereignty.
Senegal seeks to restore confidence in its finances
The parliamentary debate comes as Senegal faces a challenging economic situation.
The authorities are working to put public finances back on a sound footing following the discovery of significant irregularities in previous administrations’ public accounts. At the same time, Dakar is seeking to reassure international financial partners and restore confidence in the country’s economic management.
The new IMF agreement is expected to support this effort while requiring Senegal to implement measures aimed at improving fiscal discipline and debt sustainability.
Government reiterates position on social issues
Beyond economic policy, Prime Minister Lo also addressed several social issues during his speech.
He condemned the rise of xenophobic rhetoric and called for respect for foreigners living in Senegal, while stressing that foreign nationals must comply with the country’s laws.
The prime minister also reiterated the government’s opposition to any legalisation of homosexuality, saying that its position on the issue remains unchanged.
The speech therefore combined economic priorities with broader social and political positions, as the Senegalese government seeks to navigate its financial challenges while maintaining the core positions of the ruling camp.
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