Senegal's president names economist as new prime minister

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed economist Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo as the nation's new prime minister, according to a presidential statement released Monday. The move comes after Faye's surprising decision on Friday to dismiss popular former prime minister Ousmane Sonko and dissolve the government, plunging the country into a political crisis.

Lo, who previously served at the Central Bank for the West African States (BCEAO), possesses the skills to guide Senegal out of its significant debt crisis, the president's statement indicated. Faye highlighted Lo's deep understanding of economic and financial mechanisms as crucial for the task ahead.

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Senegal is a safe and viable country, and intends to remain so.

In his first public remarks following the appointment, Lo declared, "Senegal is a safe and viable country, and intends to remain so." He clarified that the change represents "not a change of course, but a change in method," emphasizing integrity, transparency, and "economic and cultural sovereignty" as guiding principles.

Senegal is currently grappling with a substantial debt burden, equivalent to 132 percent of its gross domestic product. Upon taking office in 2024, Faye and Sonko accused the administration of former President Macky Sall of concealing a portion of this debt. Lo's appointment signals a focus on economic recovery and fiscal management.

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This is not a change of course, but a change in method.