# Senegal debt crisis, IMF deal, and rising social unrest > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/imf-economic-mission-and-debt-negotiations-in-senegal > Updated: 2026-09-11T11:28:10.000Z. Sources: 88. Developments: 15. Senegal is navigating a severe debt crisis following the discovery of previously undeclared financial commitments, which pushed public debt estimates to between 125% and 132% of GDP by the end of 2024. An IMF investigation found that this debt had been “deliberately concealed for several years.” In response, the government reached a staff-level agreement with the IMF for a $2.2 billion, 36-month program under the Extended Credit Facility. This program aims to restore public finance sustainability and protect vulnerable households through 2029. To address external debt, Senegal intends to utilize the G20 Common Framework, though the IMF noted this framework focuses on coordination and does not necessarily mandate a reduction in the nominal value of debt. The timeline for restructuring remains dependent on ongoing creditor discussions. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô has prioritized settling approximately 1,956 billion CFA francs in state arrears to support the private sector. This debt situation has prompted at least eight international bondholders to mandate the law firm White & Case as legal counsel. Concurrently, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has instructed the Inspection Générale d'État (IGE) to investigate the Yaakaar-Teranga gas project following the withdrawal of Kosmos Energy. The Prime Minister characterized the situation as a “serious failure” involving a potential loss of approximately 30 billion CFA francs ($55 million), a claim former Petrosen Director General Alioune Guèye disputes, arguing the sum was a “minimum expenditure commitment” rather than a debt owed to the state. ## Claims - The state intends to implement a Debt Treatment Plan (PTDS). (disputed by 8 sources) - The government intends to treat its debt without a formal restructuring. (disputed by 5 sources) - Senegal has opted for an autonomous debt treatment plan rather than traditional restructuring. (disputed by 3 sources) - The proposed loan program is valued at approximately $2.2 billion. (corroborated by 19 sources) - The IMF and Senegal have reached a staff-level agreement for a new loan program. (corroborated by 18 sources) - The program is intended to last for 36 months. (corroborated by 16 sources) - The agreement is subject to approval by the IMF Executive Board. (corroborated by 14 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-11: Senegal and IMF agree to $2.2 billion loan program amid debt restructuring Senegal and the IMF have agreed on a $2.2 billion three-year loan program to restore fiscal sustainability following the discovery of previously concealed public debt. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-and-imf-agree-to-22-billion-loan-program-amid-debt-restructuring ### 2026-09-09: Senegal addresses massive debt arrears and launches gas project investigation Senegal faces 1,956 billion CFA francs in arrears and is negotiating a $2.2B IMF program. An IGE investigation is also underway regarding a potential $55M loss in the Yaakaar-Teranga gas project. 29 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-prime-minister-outlines-autonomous-debt-treatment-plan ### 2026-09-07: Senegal academics demand debate over IMF agreement Senegalese academics and professionals are demanding parliamentary debate regarding a 36-month fiscal agreement with the IMF, amid concerns over previous economic instability and job losses in the construction- 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-academics-demand-debate-over-imf-agreement ### 2026-09-06: Senegal presidential majority cadres defend debt management plan The Coalition of Cadres of the Presidential Majority in Senegal has defended the government's debt treatment plan, citing the need for fiscal responsibility to manage a debt-to-GDP ratio of 132%. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-presidential-majority-cadres-defend-debt-management-plan ### 2026-09-06: Senegal: Protests in Dakar over rising cost of living Protesters in Dakar held an ‘Empty Basket March’ to denounce rising costs for food, rent, and electricity as part of the ‘30 Days for Fair Prices’ grassroots movement in Senegal. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-protests-in-dakar-over-rising-cost-of-living ### 2026-09-05: Senegal leaders call for economic restructuring and monetary sovereignty Senegalese political figures are advocating for economic reform, with calls for a two-year economic restructuring and critiques of IMF reliance in favor of greater monetary sovereignty. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-leaders-call-for-economic-restructuring-and-monetary-sovereignty ### 2026-09-05: Senegal and IMF reach principle agreement for $2.2 billion economic program Senegal and the IMF have reached a principle agreement for a 2.2 billion dollar, three-year program to restore macroeconomic stability and manage national debt through the G20 Common Framework. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-reaches-22-billion-imf-agreement-amid-legislative-shifts ### 2026-09-04: Senegal commits to settling domestic debt with private sector Senegal has increased its 2026 budget allocation to 500 billion FCFA to settle domestic debt owed to the private sector following an official audit. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-commits-to-settling-domestic-debt-with-private-sector ### 2026-09-03: Senegal: Dakar protests erupt over rising cost of living Dakar residents marched against rising living costs while the Senegalese government and IMF prepare a $2.2 billion program to gradually reduce energy subsidies and target aid to vulnerable families. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-and-imf-agree-to-gradual-reduction-of-energy-subsidies ### 2026-09-02: Government officials oversee university works in Gabon and address IMF talks in Senegal Gabon's Higher Education Minister inspected university construction sites to ensure timely delivery, while Senegal's Minister defended IMF-related economic restructuring as an autonomous sovereign choice. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/government-officials-oversee-university-works-in-gabon-and-address-imf-talks-in-senegal ### 2026-09-02: Senegal debt crisis: IMF agreement and debt treatment plan spark opposition Senegal has entered a $2.2 billion IMF program and launched a Debt Treatment Plan (PTDS) to address a debt crisis reaching 132% of GDP, amid intense domestic opposition and credit downgrades. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/benin-high-court-president-meets-hanns-seidel-foundation ### 2026-08-31: Senegal and IMF reach staff-level agreement on $2.2 billion program Senegal and the IMF have reached a staff-level agreement for a 36-month, $2.2 billion program to support economic reforms and debt sustainability following previous data misreporting issues. 44 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-and-imf-conclude-two-week-mission-to-discuss-new-financing-agreement ### 2026-08-27: Senegal to host IMF mission to discuss economic reforms and debt An IMF mission will visit Senegal from August 19 to September 1, 2026, to discuss economic reforms and a potential new financing agreement amid high public debt levels. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senegal-to-host-imf-mission-to-discuss-economic-reforms-and-debt ### 2026-08-21: IMF conducts mission in Senegal to negotiate new financing agreement The IMF is negotiating a new financing program with Senegal, requiring centralized debt management and improved data transparency following previous discrepancies in public financial reporting. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imf-negotiates-new-financing-program-and-debt-reforms-with-senegal ### 2026-08-17: IMF mission to Senegal scheduled for August 19 to September 1 An IMF mission led by Mercedes Vera Martin will visit Senegal from August 19 to September 1, 2026, to discuss economic reforms and a potential new financing agreement. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/imf-mission-to-senegal-scheduled-for-august-19-to-september-1 --- Cite as: Senegal debt crisis, IMF deal, and rising social unrest. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/imf-economic-mission-and-debt-negotiations-in-senegal