Government in turmoil over IMF debt plan

Senegal is facing political turmoil as Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has threatened to take his party out of government and into opposition if President Bassirou Faye accepts a controversial IMF debt restructuring plan, reports GZero. The removal of Sonko's PASTEF party would functionally leave Faye without a party. Senegal’s debt has ballooned from 78% in 2023 to 132% of its GDP, after it was revealed that the previous government had hidden debt. The country is also dealing with unrest which erupted at university campuses over undelivered financial aid payments, and growing feelings of betrayal by Sonko’s party. The violent widespread protest intensified after the death of a student during alleged clashes with security forces. Since then, there has been a growing power struggle between the country’s two leaders as they struggle to contain the dual crises, with Sonko holding the upper hand because of his control over the party.