Dette sénégalaise et restructuration — FMI
The press conference by the International Monetary Fund's Africa Director provided an opportunity to address Senegal's economic situation. Abebe Aemro Selassie specifically aimed to clarify the issue of debt restructuring—a proposal Senegalese authorities strongly oppose.
In January, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko stated that all their analyses on the country's debt—estimated at 119% of GDP—showed a path forward without needing restructuring. He argued the debt remains sustainable since the government has managed repayments so far without an IMF program.
"We cannot understand why restructuring is being pushed under these conditions. This is the position of the President of Senegal, the government, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Finance and Economy, and all competent authorities," Sonko reiterated.
Facing journalists on Thursday, April 16, the IMF Africa Director was notably reserved on the topic. "We have absolutely no opinion or comment to make regarding the terms of any potential debt restructuring. We never enter those discussions, and I don't think it's appropriate for me to speak on this matter," Selassie clarified.
This diplomatic tone echoed that of IMF Communications Director Julie Kozack in December. "The IMF's role is precisely to provide expert analysis and advice to authorities. However, the nature and choice of specific debt operations, including the decision to restructure obligations or not, fall under Senegal's sovereignty," she stated.
Her clarification followed Prime Minister Sonko's remarks at his "Tera meeting" in November, where he revealed, "We are in discussions with the IMF. But the talks are difficult because a country in this situation is being offered debt restructuring."
He warned that if Senegal accepts this path, it would be considered "in default," making access to international financial markets harder. "Public-private partnerships will become difficult, and bilateral banks we've borrowed from will sue us to recover their funds," the Senegalese government head cautioned.
Commentaires (16)
Participer à la Discussion
Règles de la communauté :
💡 Astuce : Utilisez des emojis depuis votre téléphone ou le module emoji ci-dessous. Cliquez sur GIF pour ajouter un GIF animé. Collez un lien X/Twitter, TikTok ou Instagram pour l'afficher automatiquement.