Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed former regional central banker Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as Prime Minister following the dismissal of Ousmane Sonko. The decision comes as the country grapples with a significant debt crisis and rising political tensions, threatening crucial reforms tied to IMF support.

Lo’s appointment as the new Prime Minister on Tuesday comes just days after the controversial ousting of Ousmane Sonko last Sunday. The dismissal sparked tensions within the political landscape, with many viewing it as a pivotal moment in Senegal’s ongoing crisis.

Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo, a former official at the Central Bank of West African States, was appointed due to his extensive knowledge of the economy and finance. Following his appointment, Lo addressed the challenging financial situation, stating, “Senegal is a safe and viable country and intends to remain so.” He emphasized that his approach would be rooted in integrity and transparency, principles that Sonko also championed.

Senegal’s economic troubles are underscored by an alarming national debt amounting to 132% of the GDP, which had stalled a previously agreed $1.8 billion aid program from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). While Faye is openly in favour of restructuring debt and further aid, Sonko has publicly opposed this. Faye’s removal of Sonko as Prime Minister and the appointment of Lo, whose experience in central and international banking is likely to lend credibility to further or adjusted debt, is likely to be seen as an extension of this disagreement.

Following the tumultuous government shake-up, the parliament voted yesterday on Sonko’s reinstatement as speaker, a decision that has prompted accusations of an “institutional coup” from opposition leaders. Although no longer Prime Minister, Sonko’s position as speaker is an influential one, which sets up potential conflict between Sonko and his supporters on the one side, and the government led by Faye and Lo, on the other.

Since taking office, both Faye and Sonko promised to implement political reforms and combat corruption, a stance that resonates with the electorate’s desire for change. However, with the political dynamics shifting dramatically, the future of Senegal’s governance and economic strategy remains uncertain as Faye and Sonko’s once-allied relationship deteriorates.