Senegal finance minister says “fundamental differences” remain in IMF talks

Fundamental differences” remain between Senegal and the International Monetary Fund in talks for a new lending programme, the country’s finance minister Cheikh Diba told lawmakers on Tuesday. Diba said all misreporting issues with the Fund have been resolved, including an agreement on an audit and correction of statistics. Senegal considers the Fund’s assumptions about its economic situation as too pessimistic, and the government remains opposed to restructuring debts, Diba said.

“The indicators for the long-term outlook are improving, and ultimately, we will have a sustainable debt. Without jeopardising our relationships with our creditors,” he told parliament.