Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have reshuffled the government amid growing frustration over stalled reforms and economic struggles.
In a surprise televised announcement late Saturday, Sonko unveiled what he called a “government of combat,” pledging to work tirelessly to address debt, poverty, and public distrust.
Former Foreign Minister Yassine Fall is now Justice Minister, tasked with restoring trust among Senegalese citizens, while diplomat Cheikh Niang takes over as Foreign Minister and Bamba Cisse, Sonko’s former lawyer, becomes Interior Minister.
Critics accuse the administration of delaying investigations into abuses under former President Macky Sall, including deadly opposition crackdowns in 2021.
With unemployment at 20% and more than a third of the population living in poverty, Sonko is pushing for an economic reset focused on domestic financing to cut debt. He also canceled his first official visit to France but will host the French Prime Minister in Dakar, with plans for trips to the UAE and Italy.