Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced on Friday, January 9, 2026, that Senegal will not seek to restructure its national debt, despite the significant fiscal challenges inherited by the current administration. Speaking at a press briefing in Dakar, Sonko dismissed rumors that the government was preparing to negotiate with international creditors, asserting that the country remains committed to meeting its financial obligations.
The Prime Minister’s statement follows a period of intense scrutiny over Senegal’s debt-to-GDP ratio, which spiked after a recent audit revealed higher-than-reported deficit figures from previous years. Sonko emphasized that instead of restructuring, the government will focus on aggressive domestic revenue mobilization, cutting wasteful state spending, and renegotiating unfavorable natural resource contracts to boost the national treasury.
The announcement is seen as an effort to reassure international investors and maintain Senegal’s credit rating on the global market. Sonko noted that “sovereignty begins with financial responsibility” and that the government’s new economic roadmap would stabilize the economy without resorting to measures that could damage the country’s long-term borrowing reputation. Financial analysts suggest that while the move is bold, its success will depend on the government’s ability to implement promised reforms amidst rising living costs.
