'Our debt is exploding' - Analysts warn of looming economic crisis in Senegal: Video

Economists warn that friction at the top of government could slow key decisions at a time when the country is grappling with one of Africa’s heaviest debt burdens. At the Ministry of Finance in Dakar, analysts say rising repayment obligations are straining already limited public finances.

“Our debt service is exploding. This means money that could have gone to basic social sectors is instead being used to pay off the debt,” economist Mor Gassama said.

Residents in local markets report increasing living costs, but officials from the ruling Pastef party reject claims that internal disagreements are fuelling the crisis.

“To say there is a crisis is an exaggeration,” said party official Babacar Ndiaye. “There are two men at the head of state entrusted with leading the country. They may differ in their approach, but they share the same ideal: to pull Senegal out of the abyss into which the previous regime plunged it.”

Ndiaye insisted the government is taking steps to revive the economy and urged patience. He cautioned that expectations of rapid recovery are unrealistic.

“Before discussing takeoff, the country must first be on the path to emergence. We can’t expect a takeoff in the short term. To revive our economy, the government has already taken several steps, but economic sovereignty is a long value chain,” he said.

Opposition figures argue that internal strain within the leadership is delaying urgent action and worsening public frustration.

“They’ve been in power for almost two years, and they haven’t accomplished anything. They haven’t reduced government spending, they haven’t reduced the cost of basic necessities,” said Babacar Justin Mbengue of Geum Sa Bopp.

The debate over Senegal’s economic trajectory comes amid rising debt service obligations, increased cost of living, and heightened public scrutiny of the young administration’s policy direction.