Archive · 15 Jan 2026
New IMF mission chief visits Senegal
The new International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission chief for Senegal, Mercedes Vera Martin, is going to visit Senegal soon.
She will be joined by her predecessor, Edward Gemayel.
They will meet with Senegal's leaders, but there won't be any big talks or decisions made right away.
Senegal has a lot of debt, which is more than 130% of its total money.
The IMF had to stop a big loan program because of some problems, but Senegal wants to start a new one quickly.
The country doesn't want to change its debt, but it needs help to pay its bills.
IMF's new mission chief for Senegal, Mercedes Vera Martin, to visit Senegal early next week with her predecessor, Edward Gemayel.
The visit is primarily introductory, with no substantive negotiations expected immediately.
Senegal's debt burden reached 132% of GDP at the end of 2024, with undisclosed borrowing by the previous administration.
The IMF froze a $1.8 billion lending programme due to controversy, forcing Senegal to rely on regional debt auctions.
Senegalese authorities have ruled out debt restructuring but aim to finalize a new loan programme with the IMF quickly.
- Who
- IMF mission chief Mercedes Vera Martin and her predecessor Edward Gemayel
- What
- Visit to Senegal for an introductory visit
- When
- Early next week
- Where
- Senegal
- Why
- To meet with Senegalese authorities and discuss potential new loan programme
- IMF Lending Programme
- $1.8 billion
- Senegal's Debt Burden
- 132% of GDP
- IMF Mission Chief
- Mercedes Vera Martin
- Previous Mission Chief
- Edward Gemayel
- Senegal's Stance on Debt Restructuring
- Ruling out restructuring