Senegal’s government is defending a proposed revision of the 2026 budget, citing a 340 billion CFA franc revenue shortfall and a 540 billion CFA franc rise in unavoidable spending, mainly driven by energy subsidies and security needs.
The proposed changes would cut investment allocations by 555 billion CFA francs, with some projects postponed until next year. Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou Mohamed Lo warned that rejecting the bill could further delay public works and leave contractors struggling to pay suppliers.
The ruling Pastef-Les Patriotes party opposes the proposal in its current form. Its leader, Ousmane Sonko, says the dispute concerns spending priorities, financing arrangements and transparency, rather than the need to revise the budget itself.
Pastef wants to protect investment and social spending, while demanding clarification over 120 billion CFA francs allocated to an emergency response project. Parliament has postponed consideration of the bill until October 27.
The dispute comes amid growing tensions between Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Sonko was dismissed as prime minister in May 2026 and elected president of the National Assembly four days later, while Pastef remained outside the new government.
