Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have overhauled the government in response to mounting frustration over stalled reforms and economic hardship.
In a surprise televised address on Saturday night, Sonko unveiled what he described as a “government of combat,” pledging round-the-clock efforts to address debt, unemployment, and declining public trust.
Former Foreign Minister Yassine Fall has been appointed Justice Minister, replacing Judge Ousmane Diagne. Sonko said her mandate is to “reconcile with the Senegalese people and win back their trust.”
Diplomat Cheikh Niang assumes the role of Foreign Minister, while Bamba Cisse, Sonko’s former lawyer, has been named Interior Minister.
The reshuffle comes as critics accuse the administration of dragging its feet on investigations into abuses under former President Macky Sall, particularly the deadly crackdowns on opposition protests in 2021.
With unemployment hovering at 20% and more than a third of the population living in poverty, Sonko has promised an economic reset centered on domestic financing to reduce Senegal’s debt burden.
Although he canceled his first official visit to France, Sonko is set to host his French counterpart in Dakar and plans to visit the UAE and Italy in the coming weeks.
