Senegal’s National Assembly rejected the government’s revised 2026 budget on November 3, worsening a political dispute and threatening progress toward a proposed $2.2 billion IMF program.
The bill’s defeat is a setback for President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s government as it tries to restore public finances and secure outside support. The Assembly’s final count was 126 votes against the bill, 20 in favor and three abstentions. The initial count was corrected.
The ruling Pastef party, led by Assembly speaker Ousmane Sonko, opposed the proposal. Sonko and Faye were once political allies, but they are now at odds. The revision lowered expected economic growth to 2.7% from about 5%.
It raised the expected deficit to 7.6% of gross domestic product (GDP), from 5.4%. Pastef lawmakers questioned the budget’s assumptions and called for greater transparency. The government says the changes are needed to manage pressure on spending.
Senegal reached an agreement with IMF staff in September for a three-year program. The Fund’s executive board has not yet approved it. Senegal is also trying to restructure its debt after previously undisclosed borrowing came to light.
The IMF put public debt at 132% of GDP at the end of 2024.