Senegal’s recently ousted prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, has announced that the political party he leads will not participate in the country’s new government, heightening concerns over political instability as the West African nation grapples with a severe debt crisis.
Sonko said in a post on X on Monday that he met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, his former ally turned political rival, where disagreements emerged over the role of the Pastef party in the new administration.
He stated that Pastef would not take part in the incoming government and would not be represented by any ministers.
“We wish the new team every success,” Sonko added.
The announcement came just an hour before the unveiling of a new 30-member cabinet by Sonko’s successor as prime minister, economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo.
The new cabinet retained Cheikh Diba as finance minister, while also expanding his role to include the economy portfolio in a move aimed at improving policy coordination during ongoing negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
However, the cabinet list reportedly included at least three members linked to Pastef, appearing to contradict Sonko’s earlier declaration.
The political tensions come at a critical time for Senegal, which is struggling to recover from a debt crisis triggered by the discovery in 2024 of previously misreported government liabilities.
The revelation led the IMF to suspend its $1.8 billion lending programme, pushing Senegal’s debt level to about 132% of its economic output by the end of 2024.
Finance Minister Cheikh Diba recently told parliament that Senegal expects to resume talks with the IMF in the week of June 8, with hopes of reaching agreement by June 30.
The crisis escalated further after President Faye dismissed Sonko and dissolved the government, paving the way for Lo’s appointment and a full cabinet reshuffle.
Lawmakers, however, pushed back against the president’s decision, reinstating Sonko as a member of parliament and overwhelmingly electing him as speaker with 132 votes in the 165-member assembly.
The development underscores Pastef’s continued parliamentary strength despite internal fractures within the country’s leadership.
Sonko, now in a powerful legislative position, is expected to wield significant influence over government policy and oversight, particularly on fiscal matters.
Analysts warn that his stance could complicate negotiations with the IMF, especially given his known opposition to debt restructuring.
Oxford Economics noted that Sonko’s parliamentary influence could “constrain the executive’s ability to implement reforms aligned with IMF requirements.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo has announced that President Faye will preside over the first council of ministers meeting of the new government on Friday.
The unfolding political crisis adds another layer of uncertainty to Senegal’s efforts to stabilise its economy, restore investor confidence, and secure renewed international financial support.
