Senegal debt crisis: Sonko warns G20 plan could backfire

Senegal's opposition figure and head of the parliamentary majority, Ousmane Sonko, has criticised the government's decision to use a G20-backed mechanism to address the country's mounting public debt, warning it could complicate efforts to resolve the crisis. Sonko argues Senegal does not need a complex international process, insisting creditors have already ruled out reducing the amount owed. There was no need to go to G20 for a simple matter of reprofiling. The lenders have already made it clear they would not agree to any change in the amount of their debt. Sonko has also questioned why Senegal should be the first country to test the new G20 initiative, saying the country's immediate challenge is a shortage of cash rather than a need to reduce its overall debt. It's even worrying to say that we will be the first guinea pig for this new G20 initiative for a country that simply has cash flow problems. The dispute comes as Senegal faces mounting pressure to stabilize its public finances and restore confidence among international lenders. We're not here to obstruct. If there is a deadlock, it will be the sole responsibility of the executive. It is their lack of common sense and wisdom that will lead us to a deadlock. The deadlock, I've said, means that we will not vote for this significant finance bill. Washington has called for the debt restructuring process to be completed within a year, adding urgency to negotiations over how the country will manage its obligations.