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Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed veteran economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as the country’s new prime minister following the dismissal of Ousmane Sonko and his cabinet. The move comes as Senegal faces mounting economic pressure, political uncertainty, and stalled negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Lo, a former head of the Senegal branch of the Central Bank of West African States, officially took office on Monday. During a televised address, the newly appointed prime minister sought to reassure investors and the domestic business community despite acknowledging the country’s worsening financial situation.
He described Senegal’s economy as being in a “state of emergency,” pointing specifically to the growing public debt crisis and its impact on national economic stability. Lo emphasized that Senegal remains a “safe and reliable country” committed to maintaining investor confidence while pursuing economic reforms.
The leadership change follows the IMF’s decision to suspend Senegal’s $1.8 billion lending program after the discovery of previously misreported debt figures. Revised estimates now place Senegal’s debt burden at nearly 132% of gross domestic product by the end of 2024, raising concerns among international lenders and financial markets.
Former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko had publicly rejected any debt restructuring measures reportedly supported by the IMF. Sonko also warned earlier this year that he could move the ruling Pastef party into opposition if President Faye deviated from the party’s political agenda, creating tensions within the government.
Political uncertainty has intensified ahead of a National Assembly meeting scheduled for Tuesday, where lawmakers are expected to discuss Sonko’s possible reinstatement as a member of parliament. Speculation has also grown that Sonko could become speaker of the National Assembly after the resignation of the previous speaker.
Despite the political shake-up, Lo stated that Senegal remains committed to President Faye’s long-term vision of systemic transformation and economic recovery.
