AGP Executive Report

Cost-of-Living Protests: Dakar residents marched with empty baskets under the “30 Days for Fair Prices” campaign, blaming soaring food, rent and electricity bills—especially Woyofal—for squeezing household budgets. Health & Industry: Senegal has started local production of DREPAF, an Africa-made generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell disease, led by Teranga Pharma with Drep.Afrique to improve access and affordability. Aviation & National Pride: Air Sénégal took delivery of a new Boeing 737-800 “Gorée,” backed by the Senegalese government, as the carrier expands capacity on short and medium routes. Politics & Diplomacy: President Bassirou Faye congratulated Zambia’s Hakainde Hichilema on re-election and pledged continued cooperation. International Justice: ICC president Tomoko Akane vowed to keep working despite US sanctions, which also targeted Senegalese prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye. Sports (Senegal in Europe): Iliman Ndiaye explained he chose Manchester City over Tottenham to secure Champions League football; meanwhile, Senegalese midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is reported among Africa’s priciest transfers after his move to City. Culture & Media: Chef Mory Sacko’s “Food Samurai” heads to Disney+ in the US and Canada, spotlighting Japanese cuisine through a Senegalese-rooted story.

Cost-of-Living Protests: Dakar residents marched with empty baskets in the “30 Days for Fair Prices” campaign, blaming rising food, rent and electricity bills—especially Woyofal—for squeezing household budgets. International Justice Under Pressure: ICC president Tomoko Akane vowed to keep working despite US sanctions, which also hit Senegalese prosecutor Abdoulaye Seye, as Washington escalates its fight with the court. AFCON Dispute Fallout: Senegalese media renewed attacks on Morocco coach Walid Regragui over claims he’s trying to shape public opinion while the 2025 AFCON final case waits for CAS. Energy & Investment: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye praised Sahara Group and SAR for supporting Senegal’s energy security, while Senegal and the UAE discussed expanding trade and investment in sectors like renewables and logistics. Football—Senegal Abroad: Iliman Ndiaye explained choosing Manchester City over Tottenham to secure Champions League football, while Lamine Camara stayed at Monaco after a late Chelsea bid collapsed. Culture & Community: A Polish nun, known in Pulaar as “Néné Soukabé,” is highlighted for running a center for malnourished children in Vélingara.

Premier League Buzz (Senegal): Iliman Ndiaye says his Manchester City debut win over Coventry felt perfect, dismissing injury worries as just cramp, and he’s already aiming for trophies and Champions League glory. Transfer Fallout (Senegal): City’s £185m deadline-day duo Enzo Fernandez and Ndiaye both started after late changes, while Monaco’s Lamine Camara’s Chelsea move collapsed at the last minute—leaving him at Monaco despite reported interest from City. AFCON Dispute (Morocco/Senegal): Walid Regragui again addressed the 2025 AFCON final controversy, saying CAF awarded Morocco but Senegal’s case is still with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ECOWAS Leadership (Regional): Former Senegal Armed Forces chief Gen. Birame Diop was installed as ECOWAS Commission president in Abuja, tasked with pushing unity and regional integration. Diplomacy & Trade (Senegal): President Bassirou Diomaye Faye praised Sahara Group’s energy support, while Senegal and the UAE discussed expanding trade and investment in sectors like mining, renewables, logistics, and food security. Sports (Youth): Sierra Leone’s U-17 “Sierra Stars” arrived in Dakar for WAFU-A qualifiers, kicking off Sept 7 vs The Gambia. Justice (Senegalese abroad): Seven Senegalese men accused of assaulting compatriots near Playa de Palma in Spain received restraining orders.

ICC & Sanctions: ICC president Tomoko Akane vowed to keep doing her job “no matter what” after the US imposed sanctions on her and Senegal’s Abdoulaye Seye, escalating pressure tied to Gaza-related arrest warrants. Senegal Diplomacy & Trade: President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye met UAE trade minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi to push stronger investment and trade links, with priority areas including mining, renewables, infrastructure, food security and logistics. Digital Public Services: Senegal’s civil service minister Mamadou Lamine Diante visited Azerbaijan’s ASAN service centers, signaling plans to apply the model at home; talks also covered AI and cybersecurity skills for civil servants. ECOWAS Leadership: Former Senegal armed forces minister Gen. Birame Diop was installed as ECOWAS Commission president in Abuja, inheriting regional unity and the Eco single-currency agenda. Sports—Senegal Abroad: Manchester City’s Iliman Ndiaye made a Senegal milestone debut in the Premier League, while City’s Maresca hinted at squad rotation ahead of Champions League action; elsewhere, Senegalese players featured in club and continental matches. Local Justice: Seven Senegalese men accused of assaulting compatriots over tourist thefts in Playa de Palma received restraining orders banning them from the area.

IMF Deal for Senegal: Senegal has secured a new $2.2bn IMF loan programme, coming after a 2023 deal was frozen over unreported debt, with analysts saying the real value is the confidence it can unlock for more financing while Senegal moves toward debt restructuring and greater transparency. UAE-Senegal Trade Push: President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye met UAE trade minister Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar to boost investment and trade, with priority areas including mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, food security and logistics. Azerbaijan Digital Cooperation: Senegal’s civil service minister Mamadou Lamine Diante visited Baku to learn from Azerbaijan’s “myGov” and ASAN service centres, aiming to expand digitised public services and skills in AI and cybersecurity. ECOWAS Leadership: Senegal’s former armed forces lieutenant general Birame Diop was installed as President of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, tasked with pushing regional unity and key projects like the Eco single currency. Sickle Cell Breakthrough: Senegal is highlighted for locally producing a generic sickle cell clinical treatment, part of a wider push across Africa to improve access to hydroxyurea. Senegalese Abroad Legal Update: Seven Senegalese men accused of assaulting compatriots and interfering with tourist thefts in Playa de Palma have been given restraining orders. Football—Regional Youth: Sierra Leone’s U-17 “Sierra Stars” arrived in Dakar ahead of WAFU-A U-17 AFCON qualifiers, starting Sept 7 vs The Gambia.

Digital Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Senegal met in Baku to expand digital development ties, including public-service digitization and sharing experience from Azerbaijan’s “myGov” platform, with a focus on AI and cybersecurity skills and support for startups. Trade & Investment: UAE officials visited Dakar for talks with President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye on boosting trade and investment, highlighting mining, renewables, infrastructure, food security and logistics. Public Services Reform: Senegal’s minister also toured Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet centers, saying Senegal wants to apply the model at home. IMF & Debt: Senegal secured a new $2.2bn IMF loan program aimed at fiscal stability after a prior debt scandal froze funding, with calls for more debt transparency. Health & Sickle Cell: A Senegalese firm Teranga Pharma is producing a generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell, supporting WHO-recommended treatment access. Sports—Senegal Abroad: Iliman Ndiaye started for Manchester City in a Premier League match vs Coventry; Lamine Camara starred for Monaco against PSG; and Senegal’s Sally Sarr featured in the Diamond League long jump in Brussels.

Senegal-UAE Trade Talks: President Bassirou Diomaye Faye met UAE Foreign Trade Minister Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi in Dakar to push deeper trade and investment ties, with focus areas including mining, renewable energy, infrastructure, food security and logistics. IMF & Debt Transparency Debate: Senegal’s new $2.2bn IMF loan program has reignited calls for public disclosure of the economic policy memorandum and clearer debt management, with critics urging transparency before commitments reach the National Assembly. Public Service Modernisation in Azerbaijan: Senegal’s public service minister Mamadou Lamine Diante visited Baku’s ASAN Khidmet and ASAN Service centers, saying Senegal wants to replicate Azerbaijan’s digital, citizen-focused service model. Health & Sickle Cell Breakthrough: A Senegalese firm, Teranga Pharma, is producing a generic hydroxyurea treatment for sickle cell, aligning with WHO guidance to improve access and reduce painful crises. Air Sénégal Fleet Upgrade: Air Sénégal acquired its first in-house Boeing 737-800 to strengthen connectivity and support the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. Regional Leadership: Gen. Birame Diop was installed as ECOWAS Commission President, pledging stronger regional unity and progress on key integration issues. Football (CAF): Espérance de Zarzis beat Senegal’s Diambars 3-1 in the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round first leg. Sports (Transfers/Players): Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr’s failed Liverpool move leaves him needing time to recover, while Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo fitness remains uncertain ahead of Arsenal.

IMF Deal Watch: Senegal has secured a new $2.2bn IMF loan programme, with officials saying it’s meant to restore debt sustainability and unlock wider financing after earlier funding was frozen over unreported debt. Debt Transparency Push: Opposition voices are demanding the economic and financial policy memorandum be made public and debated in the National Assembly, arguing for clearer debt management and conditions. Public Service Reform: Senegal’s Minister of Public Service, Labor and Reform Mamadou Lamine Diante visited Azerbaijan’s ASAN Khidmet and DOST centers in Baku, saying Senegal wants to apply the model at home. Health & Industry: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma is producing a generic hydroxyurea for sickle cell, aligning with WHO calls for wider access to child-friendly formulations. Air Sénégal Expansion: The national carrier has taken delivery of its first in-house B737-800, backed by state support, to boost connectivity and support Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games logistics. Football Transfers & Tensions: Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr remains at Crystal Palace after Liverpool’s move failed, while agent Diomansy Kamara renewed criticism of how African players are treated in transfer deals; meanwhile, Chelsea’s Lamine Camara saga and Everton’s transfer chaos continue to ripple.

IMF Deal for Senegal: Senegal has secured a new $2.2bn IMF loan programme (36 months) after a prior $1.8bn deal was suspended over unreported debt, with the plan tied to debt restructuring, stronger public finances and a push for faster, transparent corrections. Debt Transparency Push: Opposition and civil voices are now demanding key IMF documents be made public and debated in the National Assembly, arguing Senegal’s debt crisis needs clearer accountability. Air Sénégal Fleet Upgrade: Air Sénégal has taken delivery of its first state-supported Boeing 737-800, meant to boost routes and support the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games flame mission. Health Innovation: Senegal’s Teranga Pharma says it has produced a first African-made generic clinical treatment for sickle cell disease, expanding access to hydroxyurea. Aquaculture Caution: Senegal has started installing the country’s first offshore aquaculture pilot near Diakhanor, with local fishers and environmental groups urging careful oversight. Football Transfers & Tensions: Senegalese winger Ismaila Sarr’s Liverpool move remains blocked by Crystal Palace, while Lamine Camara’s collapsed Chelsea deal has sparked fresh criticism of how African players are treated in transfer negotiations. Labor & Social Services Links: Senegal’s public service minister visited Azerbaijan’s DOST Center No. 1 to discuss cooperation on labor, employment and digital social services.

IMF Deal for Senegal: The IMF announced a new $2.2bn, 36-month loan programme for Senegal after a prior funding freeze tied to undeclared debt. The deal is meant to back reforms for 2026–2029, but comes with “decisive corrective measures” and still needs approval by the IMF’s executive board. Air Sénégal Fleet Boost: Senegal’s national airline took delivery of its first in-house Boeing 737-800, fully supported by the state, with the aircraft set to carry the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games flame and sport a special livery. Migration Grief, Community Action: AFP profiles Aminata Boye, a Senegalese mother who turned the disappearance of her son during a migration attempt into support for bereaved families in Mbour. Blue Economy Push: Senegal’s aquaculture agency has started installing the country’s first offshore fish-farming pilot near Diakhanor, aiming to grow marine production and protect wild stocks. Football Transfer Fallout: Senegalese players stayed central to the week’s drama abroad, from Ismaila Sarr’s injury and Palace stance to Lamine Camara’s failed Chelsea move and the wider backlash over how African transfers are handled.

IMF Deal for Senegal: The IMF has reached a staff-level agreement with Senegal on a new 36-month, $2.2bn Extended Credit Facility to back reforms for 2026–2029, with conditions tied to debt sustainability, public finance fixes, and corrective steps after past misreported debt. Air Sénégal Expansion: Senegal’s flag carrier says it has added a state-supported Boeing 737-800 to grow routes, with the aircraft set to carry the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic flame. Blue Economy Push: Senegal’s aquaculture agency has started installing the country’s first offshore fish-farming pilot near Diakhanor, aiming to boost seafood supply and jobs while urging caution from fishers and environmental groups. Football Transfers & Tensions: Senegalese players stayed at the center of deadline-day chaos: Lamine Camara’s Monaco-to-Chelsea move collapsed, and Ismaïla Sarr’s exit talks sparked fresh criticism from his agent over how African players are treated in transfers. ECOWAS Leadership: General Birame Diop took over as ECOWAS Commission President, calling for stronger internal unity and deeper engagement with AES countries.

IMF Deal for Senegal: Senegal and the IMF reached a staff-level agreement on a new $2.2bn, 36-month loan programme after a prior $1.8bn deal was suspended over previously unreported debt. The pact targets Senegal’s 2026–2029 economic and financial reforms, but it still needs IMF executive board approval and comes with “decisive corrective measures” tied to past misreporting. Political Accountability: Ousmane Sonko is calling for a full public debate and more transparency, warning that the technical agreement lacks concrete details on Senegal’s obligations and reforms until ratification. Deadline-Day Football Drama (Senegalese links): In the Premier League’s frantic endgame, Senegal’s Iliman Ndiaye completed a £65m move to Manchester City, while Aston Villa sealed a £47m signing of Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye. Meanwhile, Chelsea’s late attempt to land Senegal midfielder Lamine Camara collapsed after Monaco’s U-turn, triggered by the Balogun-Everton medical fallout. Regional Security Push: ECOWAS’s new Commission chief, Gen. Birame Diop, urged deeper engagement with AES states despite their withdrawal, stressing shared borders and common threats.

IMF Deal for Senegal: The IMF has agreed a new $2.2bn, 36-month loan programme for Senegal after suspending an earlier $1.8bn deal over previously unreported debt, with Senegal also expected to move on debt restructuring and data misreporting waivers; the staff-level deal still needs IMF executive board approval. Political Pushback: Ousmane Sonko, President of the National Assembly, says Senegal should hold a full debate before the agreement is finalized, demanding clarity on obligations and reforms. Migration Assistance in Dakhla: Senegal will send a mission to a migrant reception centre in Bir Guindouz to identify Senegalese nationals among 201 migrants intercepted off Dakhla, with support like hygiene supplies and SIM cards, and repatriation planned once transit authorization is granted. ECOWAS and Sahel Engagement: Nigeria urges ECOWAS leadership to intensify engagement with Alliance of Sahel States countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger), stressing peace and security as the base for integration. Senegalese Sports Abroad: Senegalese midfielder Lamine Camara’s late Chelsea move from Monaco collapsed at the deadline, while Aston Villa completed the signing of young Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye from PSG.

Senegal Politics: Senegal’s political balance is under strain as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and former ally Ousmane Sonko face a fresh clash over the National Assembly’s push for an extraordinary session, raising questions about how far parliament can steer presidential policy. ECOWAS Leadership: Gen. Birame Diop has officially taken over as President of the ECOWAS Commission, pledging deeper regional integration and stronger peace and security, with Anthony Ogunjimi named Vice President. Border Misinformation: A viral Facebook claim says Senegalese forces seized more Gambian land, but fact-checkers say the footage is misrepresented and linked to an earlier incident amid ongoing border tensions. Economy & Trade: Senegal is looking at expanding processed goods exports to China, with business leaders warning that zero-tariff access still requires financing, standards compliance, and clear market rules. Football Transfers (Senegalese stars): Iliman Ndiaye’s move is the week’s headline: Manchester City have agreed a deal with Everton worth up to £65m, hijacking Tottenham’s plans; meanwhile Aston Villa completed the €55m signing of PSG striker Ibrahim Mbaye, and Juventus agreed a loan-to-buy deal for Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr.

ECOWAS Leadership: Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop was sworn in as President of the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, taking over from The Gambia’s Omar Alieu Touray and outlining a new team for the bloc’s next phase. Economy & Credit: Moody’s downgraded Senegal’s sovereign rating from Caa1 to Caa2, citing higher default risk, liquidity pressures, and costly refinancing as IMF talks continue. Health & Trade: Senegalese firms are preparing for China’s zero-tariff push, but exporters say they need financing, food-safety testing capacity, and clearer standards to scale up. Justice & Rights: In Ziguinchor, 11 people accused in an alleged homosexual offences case were remanded after a preliminary probe; one accused was released after prosecutors accepted his denial. Politics & Security: A viral Facebook claim about Senegalese forces taking Gambian land was flagged as misleading, with investigators saying the footage was misrepresented. Football Transfers: Senegalese midfielder Pape Matar Sarr is set for Juventus on a loan with a conditional buy clause, while Iliman Ndiaye’s move is being reshuffled as Manchester City agree a £65m deal with Everton, hijacking Tottenham’s plans.

ECOWAS Leadership: Senegal’s Gen. Birame Diop was sworn in as the new ECOWAS Commission president in Abuja, taking over from The Gambia’s Omar Alieu Touray. Sovereign Debt Pressure: Moody’s downgraded Senegal again to Caa2, citing higher default risk, liquidity strain, and heavy refinancing pressures as IMF talks continue. Health & Industry: Senegal became the first African country to locally manufacture a generic sickle-cell treatment, DREPAF (hydroxyurea-based), aiming to expand access across six African markets. Justice & Rights: In Ziguinchor, 11 of 12 people arrested in an alleged homosexual offences case were remanded in custody after a prosecutor’s review; one accused was released. Politics & Security: A video-driven case led to the arrest of a man in Ziguinchor for insulting Macky Sall, his party and the army. Sports (Senegalese abroad): Pape Matar Sarr is set for a season-long loan to Juventus; Spurs are reportedly finalising a deal for Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye while Liverpool’s Bradley Barcola’s move is confirmed after his medical. Morocco-Senegal Ties: Foreign ministers reaffirmed a “unique” Morocco–Senegal partnership and deeper cooperation.