Senegal’s credit rating downgraded: thierno alassane sall blames ‘fratricidal war’ between diomaye and sonko

On August 28, 2026, the Moody’s agency took action to lower Senegal’s sovereign credit rating from Caa1 to Caa2. This decision was primarily driven by the significant refinancing pressures facing the nation and the prolonged absence of an established financial program with the International Monetary Fund (FMI).

However, Deputy Thierno Alassane Sall, who also leads the Republic of Values (RV) political party, posits that this challenging economic scenario stems from an “irresponsible fratricidal conflict” currently unfolding between President Diomaye Faye and his former political mentor, Ousmane Sonko.

Sall expressed his profound disappointment, remarking, “Unsurprisingly, Senegal’s rating has once again been downgraded by Moody’s. This decline is partly attributable to the reckless internal strife waged by those inaccurately labeled ‘Kiiraay’ and ‘Pastef,’ referring to Diomaye and Sonko. It is to these individuals that the Senegalese populace owes a share of the worsening of their living conditions, the escalation of their hardships, and the widespread social misery that now afflicts them.”

The parliamentary leader further called upon the citizenry to “remember, during the upcoming electoral periods, the accountability and, crucially, the indifference demonstrated by both the executive and parliament in the face of the trials they are currently enduring,” advocating for their complete removal from power.

This significant credit rating downgrade takes place precisely as an FMI mission is actively engaged in discussions with the government in Dakar, with the hope of establishing a new financial program for the nation.