Senegal Prime Minister Negotiates to Avoid Government Shutdown

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lo is attempting to resolve a budget impasse with the Pastef party to prevent a government shutdown. The conflict involves revisions to 2026 spending plans and the 2027 draft budget, which Pastef leader Ousmane Sonko has already rejected in committee.

Approval of the budget is a prerequisite for Senegal to secure a 36-month, $2.2 billion debt stabilization program from the International Monetary Fund. The country currently faces public debt estimated at 132 percent of GDP. While Prime Minister Lo has urged the opposition to return to dialogue, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye may utilize executive orders and other constitutional tools to avoid a standstill if the National Assembly fails to act.

The political tension stems from a feud between President Faye and Ousmane Sonko following Sonko's dismissal as prime minister in May.