Hundreds of union workers and opposition supporters took to the streets of Dakar, Senegal, on Wednesday, demanding accountability from Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko's government as the country plunges into a severe debt crisis amid rising living costs.

The protests follow a stinging credit outlook downgrade and a government audit revealing a staggering 132% debt-to-GDP ratio, fuelled by a cost-of-living surge that many fear is only just beginning.

Footage shows union workers marching as they chanted slogans and carried banners and placards reading 'Temporary workers of Port Autonomy of Dakar claim their right to integration, not to abusive licences!' and 'Ousmane Sonko Resign, #SonkoOut'.

Mody Guiro, the secretary general of the National Confederation of Workers of Senegal, denounced the government's failure to honour its promise to provide better wages and working conditions.

"Unfortunately, we were left unsatisfied because, first of all, the key issue that brought us together was not properly addressed. The primary point concerned the problem of dismissals, which did not respect the rights of the workers involved," he said.

Senegalese authorities, in response, blame the previous government for its incompetent policies and for inheriting the debt crisis.

"Numerous problems persist, including the country's domestic debt, which is weighing down the construction sector and others, allowing companies to place workers on technical unemployment or even dismiss them."

The West African nation, led by Prime Minister Sonko, came to power in April 2024, promising an ambitious reform drive, including fighting corruption and creating jobs for youth.

However, one year on, the ruling PASTEF party's reform agenda faced obstacles after the country was placed under an International Monetary Fund programme, as Senegal's debt-to-GDP ratio surged to 132%, making it one of the highest in Africa.

Protests erupted last February at the country's top public university when tensions over unpaid financial aid were met with a violent response from security forces, resulting in the death of a student.