Senegal’s credit rating falls: thierno alassane sall criticizes “fratricidal war” between diomaye and sonko

On August 28, 2026, the international rating agency Moody’s announced a downgrade of Senegal’s sovereign credit rating, moving it from Caa1 to Caa2. This adjustment reflects significant refinancing pressures faced by the nation, compounded by the prolonged absence of a formal program with the International Monetary Fund (FMI). However, for Deputy Thierno Alassane Sall, who also leads the République des Valeurs (RV) party, the root cause of this economic downturn lies in what he describes as an “irresponsible fratricidal war” between President Diomaye Faye and his former mentor, Ousmane Sonko.

“It comes as no surprise that Senegal’s rating has once again been lowered by Moody’s,” Thierno Alassane Sall stated. He further elaborated, “This downgrade is partly attributable to the reckless fratricidal conflict being waged by the ill-named ‘Kiiraay’ and ‘Pastef’ factions, specifically between Diomaye and Sonko. It is to these individuals that the Senegalese people owe a portion of the worsening of their living conditions, the intensification of their hardships, and the widespread escalation of their social misery.”

The Deputy urged citizens to “remember, during upcoming elections, the accountability and, crucially, the indifference of both the executive and parliament in the face of the trials they endure,” advocating for their removal from power. This significant credit rating downgrade unfolds as an FMI mission is currently engaged in discussions with the government in Dakar, aiming to establish a new financial program.