Wayne Lumbasi
Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has urged the nation to embrace sacrifices over the next two to three years as the government seeks to revive a struggling economy. Speaking at a rally near Dakar, Sonko acknowledged the challenges ahead and appealed for public patience and cooperation. “I am asking the Senegalese people for a sacrifice during two or three years, and I know you will accept this sacrifice,” he said.
The call comes as Senegal grapples with a budget deficit of 14% of GDP and public debt reaching 132% of GDP. In response, the government has already introduced austerity measures, including limiting official travel, halting the purchase of state vehicles, and raising taxes on sectors such as tobacco, alcohol, gambling, and digital money transfers.
Sonko, along with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who took office in 2024, has criticized the previous administration for financial mismanagement and emphasized a commitment to restoring fiscal discipline. The government hopes that these measures, combined with increased domestic resource mobilisation, will stabilize the economy and pave the way for sustainable growth.
However, the appeal for sacrifice comes at a time when unemployment hovers around 20% and nearly 36% of the population lives in poverty. Balancing fiscal consolidation with social stability will be a delicate task, and public acceptance of these tough measures is far from guaranteed.
The prime minister’s message is clear: Senegal’s path to economic recovery will require collective effort, discipline, and patience. Whether citizens are willing and able to make these sacrifices will shape the country’s economic future over the coming years
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