Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has announced the formation of a new government by appointing a group of new faces to key positions after winning last month’s election by a large margin.
The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, confirmed the appointment of a cabinet consisting of 25 ministers on Friday, highlighting its departure from the previous administration.
At 44 years old, Faye, who has never held an elected position before, won decisively in the first round of the election. He promised significant reforms and is now the youngest president in the country’s history.
Faye is expected to work closely with his appointed prime minister and former mentor, Sonko, who played a key role in helping the political newcomer rise to power.
In his announcement yesterday, Sonko said: “The government set up here on April 5 is a breakaway government… that embodies the project, a systemic transformation voted for by the Senegalese people.”
At 49 years old, Sonko led an anti-establishment movement in Senegal. However, he supported Faye in the presidential election after he was disqualified from running due to a defamation conviction.
Birame Souleye Diop has been chosen as the energy minister, a crucial position in a country that will start oil and gas production in 2024.
Ousmane Diagne, a former public prosecutor at the Dakar Court of Appeal, has been appointed as the justice minister.
The government has also appointed four women to handle foreign affairs, fisheries, family youth, and culture.
Senegal is facing significant challenges, including an official unemployment rate of 20 percent.
Sonko announced on Friday that the government’s main priorities will be creating jobs for young people, lowering the cost of living, and protecting human rights.
