Moustapha Njekk Sarré, vice-president of Pastef, has defended Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s recent statements regarding Senegal’s public debt. Sarré criticized media coverage he deems misleading, particularly concerning the concept of “hidden debt.” He clarified that any debt incurred outside of legally approved financial laws should be considered hidden. Sarré referenced financial audits by the General Inspectorate of Finance and the Court of Accounts, highlighting discrepancies between previously reported debt levels and those revealed by the audits under the former President Macky Sall. He argued these discrepancies raise legitimate questions. Sarré also defended Sonko against accusations of inconsistency following an interview with France 24, stating his comments were misinterpreted. He emphasized the Court of Accounts’ role was to quantify debt, not to legally define its nature, and supported the use of the term “hidden debt” in public discussion.