Senegal Presses IMF to Drop Call for Foreign‑Run Debt Audit

Senegal's government and civil society have pushed back against the International Monetary Fund's recent suggestion that the country's sovereign debt be audited by an international private firm. On 25 June 2026, IMF communication director Julie Kozack said a foreign audit was needed, even though Senegal had already tasked the audit firm Forvis Mazars with reviewing debts identified by the Court of Auditors in February 2025. The country's debt‑to‑GDP ratio stood at 118.8 % at the end of 2024, prompting concerns over fiscal sustainability.

A coalition of citizen groups—including the FRAPP, CADTM, LEGS AFRICA and trade unions—has been campaigning for a nationally led, independent audit committee. They have sent letters to the Presidency, Prime Minister's office and National Assembly without response. Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, appointed in May 2026, is involved in negotiations with the IMF as the new program remains unsigned. Technical discussions between Dakar and the IMF continue.