Despite a financial situation that he himself describes as "almost catastrophic", the Senegalese Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, is displaying a firm position: Senegal will not engage in a process of restructuring its debt.

A "sustainable" debt despite alarming figures

While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) estimates Senegal's public debt at 132% of GDP , the head of government insists on the country's ability to meet its obligations. This decision runs counter to the recommendations of the IMF and several local experts, who advocated for renegotiation to alleviate the pressure on public finances.

The financial stakes for the current year are significant:

1. Budgetary pressure: In 2026, approximately 20% of state revenue will be swallowed up by interest payments alone.
2. A heavy legacy: The current government blames this "staggering debt" on the management of the previous administration.

The choice of budgetary sovereignty

For Ousmane Sonko, the solution lies not in rescheduling, but in rigorous internal reform. The government is counting on a program to streamline spending and optimize budget revenues to get back on track.

“Our debt is sustainable. We don’t understand why they want to impose a restructuring on us. That’s the official position of the President of the Republic: we don’t want it.” — Ousmane Sonko

A showdown with international institutions

This statement sounds like a warning to financial partners, particularly the IMF. Discussions that began in late October have still not resulted in a new aid program, which is nevertheless considered crucial for stabilizing the economy and reassuring international investors. By refusing restructuring, Senegal is choosing a complex but decisive path, one that its economic partners will now have to take into account.