Thierno Bocoum demands full disclosure on Senegal’s new IMF deal

The technical agreement recently reached between Senegal and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has sparked fresh political debates. Thierno Bocoum, who leads the Agir-Les Leaders movement, is calling on state authorities to provide complete clarity regarding debt management strategies and the specific conditions attached to this new financial program.

The former lawmaker is urging the immediate release of the memorandum on economic and financial policies. Alternatively, he insists this crucial document should be submitted directly to the National Assembly, ensuring that the commitments made on behalf of the Senegalese public can be openly debated.

Bocoum’s critique extends beyond the current administration. He also points fingers at Ousmane Sonko and Abdourahmane Sarr, describing both as key figures whose actions contributed to the country’s ongoing struggles with national debt and IMF relations.

Regarding Ousmane Sonko, Bocoum argues that his tenure as Prime Minister, spanning from April 2, 2024, to May 22, 2026, places him at the center of the negotiations with the IMF. The opposition leader reproached Sonko for his direct involvement in discussions that ultimately led to the halting of the previous economic program.

He also highlighted the September 2024 public disclosures concerning alleged discrepancies in national debt figures. According to Bocoum, this communication damaged Senegal’s financial reputation, triggered the suspension of the IMF program, and worsened the country’s economic stability.

The president of AGIR-Les Leaders pointed out that the government had to secure funding on the regional market at interest rates significantly higher than those of standard concessional loans.

Abdourahmane Sarr also faces scrutiny

Thierno Bocoum has also questioned the shifting positions of Abdourahmane Sarr, the former Minister of Economy, Planning, and Cooperation. He pointed out clear contradictions in Sarr’s public remarks regarding the sustainability of Senegal’s national debt.

The former minister had previously defended the manageability of the nation’s debt and the credibility of its reduction strategy. However, Bocoum notes that Sarr recently acknowledged that authorities were seeking debt relief measures to restore fiscal balance.

Consequently, Bocoum asserts that all officials involved in managing these financial portfolios must take accountability for the current economic hurdles facing the nation.

These demands for accountability come at a critical juncture, as Senegal has just finalized a technical pact with the IMF, marking a major step toward establishing a new economic and financial framework.