While on a trip to Italy to meet with the Senegalese diaspora, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko addressed several current issues regarding the country’s economic management. Debt, “hidden debt”, relations with international financial institutions: these were all topics he tackled head-on in front of his compatriots. His criticisms were particularly aimed at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which he accuses of politicizing its relations with Senegal.

“At this time, the International Monetary Fund was supposed to sign another program with Senegal, if it wasn’t for cheating or political interference,” Ousmane Sonko stated, as reported by Le Quotidien. However, he nuanced his remarks by specifying that “they are not the ones responsible”, instead pointing to internal management. According to Ousmane Sonko, the Minister of Economy and the Minister of Finance are currently working to restore the trust of donors and improve the climate of financial cooperation.

In an educational approach, Ousmane Sonko explained to his audience how the Bretton Woods institution operates. “Senegal is a full member of the International Monetary Fund and has the same rights as all other countries. What the International Monetary Fund does in Senegal is the same as what it does for China, for France,” he argued. To illustrate his point, he cited the example of French debt, noting that the IMF produces reports on both developed and developing countries.

Ousmane Sonko emphasized that collaboration with the International Monetary Fund remains a key element in restoring Senegal’s international credibility. “The International Monetary Fund works with 99% of countries in the world. Collaboration with the International Monetary Fund will reassure donors. If it is said that the IMF has signed with Senegal, it will reassure other donors. We are working on restoring this trust,” he assured, as reported by Le Quotidien.