Senegal: Rejection of 2026 supplementary budget weakens government

Senegal’s National Assembly rejected the 2026 supplementary finance bill on Tuesday by 109 votes to 20, marking the third time the measure has been defeated. PASTEF lawmakers object to revenue and spending forecasts, borrowing to fund social projects, and cuts to energy subsidies. The rejection complicates budget implementation and talks with the IMF, as Dakar seeks a $2.2 billion support program over 36 months. The vote comes amid a cost-of-living crisis, high youth unemployment and political tensions between President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.