Interpellated by a journalist from 2STV about the recent downgrade of Senegal’s rating, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva chose clarity over political correctness. “I do not comment on the decisions of rating agencies,” she first reminded, before praising “the courage of the Senegalese authorities” for bringing to light a debt that was previously hidden.
“They deserve credit for revealing a serious problem of false declaration. It took time to measure the extent of it and find the way forward. But today, the situation is clear,” she said.
The head of the IMF confirmed that following this clarification, Dakar officially requested a program from the Fund: “Senegal has made its request and we have immediately responded. I met the Senegalese delegation here; the discussions were very constructive on the program’s objectives and how to move forward. An IMF mission will travel to Dakar immediately after the Annual Meetings.”
And she concluded on a note of hope: “Senegal has tremendous potential. With sound management, the country can achieve great things for its population.”
