Sénégal Dette Plan Traitement: Forvis Mazars to Audit Public Debt

• Senegal's Ministry of Economy, Finance and Plan presented a new economic trajectory and debt treatment plan on September 3, 2026.
• The nation's debt-to-GDP ratio was revised upwards to 118.8% at the end of 2024, from a previously reported 74.4%.
• The Senegalese state has commissioned international firm Forvis Mazars to audit debts revealed by the Cour des comptes in February 2025, following an IMF recommendation.
• Civil society and FRAPP are demanding further transparency and clarifications on debt management from government leaders.
• Progress in discussions with the IMF, including a meeting between President Faye and the IMF Director General, suggests a potential new agreement, with transparency being a key condition.

The international private firm Forvis Mazars has been entrusted with this crucial task, specifically tasked with examining the debts that were initially brought to light by the Cour des comptes Sénégal dette in February 2025.

Senegal's Ministry of Economy, Finance and Plan convened national and international press on Thursday, September 3, 2026, to outline the nation's revised economic and financial trajectory. A central focus of the gathering was the presentation of a comprehensive debt treatment plan for Sénégal dette, alongside new measures stemming from a recent mission by the International Monetary Fund (FMI Sénégal dette). This comes at a critical juncture, as the country's ratio dette PIB Sénégal dramatically escalated to 118.8% by the close of 2024, a significant revision from the 74.4% previously reported. This re-evaluation has intensified concerns regarding the long-term sustainability of public finances and underscored the urgent need for greater clarity on the origins and management of the state's financial commitments.

In response to these heightened concerns and an explicit recommendation from the IMF, the Senegalese government has initiated an independent audit of its public debt. The international private firm Forvis Mazars has been entrusted with this crucial task, specifically tasked with examining the debts that were initially brought to light by the Cour des comptes Sénégal dette in February 2025. The press conference, held at the Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé conference room within the Directorate General of Customs for two hours, saw key ministerial figures, including Secretary General Alioune Ndiaye and the Minister's Chief of Staff, Amadou Abdoulaye Badiane, engaging with journalists. Discussions spanned a wide array of topics, encompassing the economic, budgetary, fiscal, financial, and social dimensions of this new national direction.

The decision to commission Forvis Mazars for the audit underscores a commitment to addressing the discrepancies identified in the nation's financial reporting. This audit specifically targets the financial obligations revealed by the Cour des comptes, an institution pivotal in overseeing public expenditures, earlier in 2025. The significant upward revision of the debt-to-GDP ratio has amplified calls for enhanced transparence finances publiques Sénégal, making the audit dette publique Sénégal a cornerstone of the government's strategy to restore confidence.

Beyond the official audit, civil society organizations continue to advocate for a citizen-led audit, reflecting a broader public demand for accountability. Concurrently, the Front for a Popular Anti-Imperialist Revolution (FRAPP) has formally petitioned both the Prime Minister and the President of the National Assembly. Their appeals seek explicit clarifications regarding the management of the national debt and the government's official stance on the substantial figures highlighted by the Cour des comptes. These actions collectively emphasize the widespread desire for a thorough and transparent review of Senegal's financial liabilities.

The comprehensive discussions at the press briefing extended to critical areas vital for Senegal's economic future, including strategies for reviving economic activity, enhancing the mobilization of internal resources, and fostering a more conducive business environment. Participants also delved into improving the efficiency of public spending, effectively managing budgetary risks, and safeguarding essential social expenditures. The financing of the broader economy and the strategic management of the public debt were central to these deliberations, reflecting a holistic approach to the nation's financial health.

Significant progress has been reported by the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) concerning ongoing discussions between Dakar and the International Monetary Fund, hinting at the potential for a new financial agreement. This positive development follows a direct engagement between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and the IMF's Director General, which took place on the sidelines of the "Africa Forward" summit in Nairobi. The overarching message from these high-level interactions is clear: achieving greater transparency in the governance of public finances is now considered an indispensable prerequisite for rebuilding trust and successfully resuming critical financial negotiations with international partners.

Lawyers advising clients on investments or public contracts in Senegal should monitor the ongoing debt audit by Forvis Mazars and the government's transparency initiatives. This increased scrutiny on public finances could impact financial stability, contractual terms, and future regulatory compliance for businesses operating in the country.

Source: Original reporting via EMedia