A "marche des paniers vides," or "empty basket march," took place on September 5 in Dakar, where around 200 people gathered in a peaceful demonstration. This event marked the beginning of a movement called "#30JoursPourLeJustePrix," or "#30DaysForTheFairPrice," which was launched on social media, as reported by the Senegalese newspaper Le Quotidien. The movement focuses on rising prices across essential sectors, including school supplies, energy, fuel, meat, and fish. Inflation has affected nearly all areas of daily life, with even Senegal's national dish, thiéboudiène—a traditional rice and fish dish—becoming a luxury for many. The Afrik.com report from the Castor market, a key location for this mobilization, highlights the sharp increase in the cost of basic goods. Le Pays, a newspaper based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, acknowledges that when both baskets and pockets are empty, public frustration grows. However, the newspaper expresses skepticism about the demonstration's motivations. It notes the presence of supporters of the Party of African Patriots for the Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Brotherhood (Pastef), which has raised concerns about potential political exploitation. The movement must prove it is not a tool for political conflict or a covert strategy for the opposition. This skepticism is partly due to the current political climate. A power struggle is unfolding between Pastef, led by Ousmane Sonko, the president of the National Assembly, and Kiiraay, the new presidential party. The announcement of a new IMF assistance program on September 1 has caused controversy, especially after S&P Global Ratings downgraded Senegal's sovereign rating on September 4. The agency views the IMF program as a sign that Senegal may struggle to meet its financial obligations. A controversial agreement for a 1.8 million euro credit facility over 36 months has also sparked debate among experts, who worry that rising public debt—already at 132% of GDP at the end of 2024—could lead to increased household poverty. The Senegalese minister of Economy, Finance, and Planning, Cheikh Diba, has tried to reassure the public. He says the debt management plan is not a traditional "debt restructuring" and compares it to a medical treatment rather than a major operation. In contrast, Pastef has called for greater transparency from the government about the program's impact on households. Economists remain divided on the best course of action, with some arguing that debt restructuring could be a necessary step for Senegal's economic stability.