Senegal raised 101 billion CFA francs ($179 million) in a government securities auction on Friday, its first sale since announcing plans to seek a reworking of its external debt.

Senegal’s running crisis feeds a political feud that threatens its long-cherished resilience

Senegal will seek to negotiate a debt reprofiling instead of a restructuring in talks with creditors, as the West African nation moves to make its loans sustainable to qualify for an International Monetary Fund program.

Senegal’s bondholders face further losses in the country’s proposed debt-rework, with some investors estimating a recovery value of as much as 60% below par.

Senegal’s eurobonds fell on Tuesday after the government said it will move forward with a “debt treatment” under the Group of 20’s Common Framework and agreed a new $2.2 billion program with the International Monetary Fund.

Niger’s leader said three military-led governments in Africa’s vast Sahel region plan to more than triple their joint force to 18,000 troops to counter a wave of Islamist attacks.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye launched his own political party on Saturday, using the occasion to consolidate his support base and stake out an identity distinct from ally-turned-rival Ousmane Sonko.

Mali said it’s awaiting Washington’s official position following a report that the Trump administration is weighing military action against Islamist militants in the West African country, while stressing that any such intervention must respect the country’s sovereignty.

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye began the process of turning his coalition of supporters into a political party, in a bid to consolidate his power base after splitting with former ally Ousmane Sonko.

Senegal is said to pick Lazard Inc. as a financial adviser, according to people familiar with the matter, a sign the government may be studying a debt overhaul.

Mali and Algeria agreed to reopen their airspace to civilian and military aircraft and return ambassadors to their posts, signaling an easing of yearlong tensions between the northern African nations.

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Unfinished railway is emblematic of the country’s fiscal strains.

Unfinished railway is emblematic of the country’s fiscal strains.

Mali has been hit by several attacks targeting military positions in major towns, including Gao and Sévaré, the army said.

Senegal is open to a debt restructuring as mounting payment pressures threaten to strain key sectors of the economy, according to a senior member of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s cabinet.

Equatorial Guinea has ordered a review of more than 50 state companies and agencies, broadening a government crackdown on waste after the cabinet resigned after failing to meet performance targets.

Senegal’s National Assembly will assess any solutions for the country’s debt challenges, including a possible restructure of billions of dollars in loans, on whether they advance a broader economic-transformation agenda, Speaker Ousmane Sonko said.

Ousmane Sonko was reelected president of Senegal’s majority Pastef party on Saturday, cementing his position as the dominant figure within the country’s governing movement at a time of escalating tensions with rival President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Ousmane Sonko was reelected president of Senegal’s majority Pastef party on Saturday, cementing his position as the dominant figure within the country’s governing movement at a time of escalating tensions with rival President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.