IMF Tensions: Dionne Demands Clarity
- Dakar, Senegal - Major development projects across Senegal are facing critical setbacks due to ongoing tensions between the government adn the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Mbaye...
- Dionne highlighted the Special Opening Up Program, a vital initiative aimed at constructing nearly 2,700 kilometers of roads and generating 50,000 jobs, as being "practically frozen." He explained...
- Dionne also pointed to the standstill of PACACEN,a program designed to support local authorities with 130 billion CFA francs in its initial phase.
Senegal’s Development Stalled: IMF tensions Demand Urgent Resolution, Says Deputy Dionne
Dakar, Senegal – Major development projects across Senegal are facing critical setbacks due to ongoing tensions between the government adn the International Monetary Fund (IMF), according to Mbaye Dionne, a deputy and Secretary General of the Alliance of Progress Forces (AFP). Speaking on IRADIO’s “Sunday Jury,” Dionne painted a concerning picture of stalled progress and its impact on the Senegalese people.
Dionne highlighted the Special Opening Up Program, a vital initiative aimed at constructing nearly 2,700 kilometers of roads and generating 50,000 jobs, as being “practically frozen.” He explained that an english lessor, slated to support the program, has suspended funding due to the ongoing difficulties with the IMF. this suspension directly impacts infrastructure development and employment opportunities for Senegalese citizens.
The impact extends beyond national projects. Dionne also pointed to the standstill of PACACEN,a program designed to support local authorities with 130 billion CFA francs in its initial phase. “More than 120 municipalities were to benefit from this funding to develop their infrastructure. Today, everything is stopped,” Dionne stated, emphasizing the ripple effect on local governance. He further noted that competition funds are no longer being paid regularly, leaving many town halls struggling to cover even basic expenses.
The deputy stressed that the repercussions are not limited to the public sector. Private sector projects, including real estate and road construction in Dakar and other regions, are also facing suspension. “The promoters are taken hostage, the banks can no longer unlock the credits, and construction companies are running down,” Dionne explained, highlighting the widespread economic impact.
Dionne directly attributed this situation to the government’s current relationship with the IMF. “As long as negotiations are not settled, the donors will not dismiss,” he warned, emphasizing the critical need for resolution. He underscored the human cost of the impasse, stating, “Villages remain landlocked, young people are deprived of jobs, and our municipalities are stifled.”
The parliamentarian called for “urgent clarification” in the discussions with the IMF, stressing the importance of restoring confidence. “We may want economic sovereignty,but we must also secure the funding that makes it possible to advance the country,” he concluded,advocating for a balanced approach that prioritizes both national interests and international cooperation.
The current situation raises serious questions about the future of Senegal’s development and the well-being of its citizens. A swift and effective resolution to the tensions with the IMF is crucial to unlocking stalled projects, revitalizing the economy, and ensuring a brighter future for Senegal.
By Yandé Diop
September 14, 2025