Senegal President Dissolves Government Amid IMF Debt Negotiations

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal dismissed Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolved the cabinet on Friday. The decision comes as the country confronts a debt crisis, with public debt projected to reach 132 % of GDP by the end of 2024 and a pending IMF‑led restructuring of roughly $13 billion.

Sonko, whose party holds the largest share in parliament and backed Faye in the 2024 presidential election, posted on social media, “Večeras ću spavati laka srca.” He had opposed raising fuel prices and any debt‑restructuring plan proposed by the IMF. Finance Minister Cheikh Diabarani warned that a proposed fuel‑subsidy law could cost the state up to $2 billion if oil prices rose to $115 per barrel.

Faye’s move may delay the anticipated IMF agreement, which officials hoped to finalize between early June and June 30. The political tension stems from a split between former allies now rivals, heightening uncertainty over Senegal’s economic reforms.