A senior official from the Pastef party, Moustapha Njekk Sarré, has defended Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s recent statements regarding Senegal’s public debt. Sarré criticized media coverage he believes is intentionally creating confusion around the concept of “hidden debt,” clarifying that any debt incurred outside of approved financial laws would fall into that category. He referenced financial audits revealing discrepancies between previously reported debt levels and those discovered by oversight bodies, raising questions about financial transparency. Sarré also addressed statements from a former head of the Court of Accounts, asserting no contradiction exists between the audit findings and the use of the term “hidden debt.” He further defended Sonko against accusations of inconsistency following an interview with France 24, claiming his remarks were misinterpreted. The debate centers on the full extent of Senegal’s financial obligations and the need for greater transparency in public finances.