Senegal’s new cabinet takes shape, Ousmane Sonko’s party not included

Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Amine Mohamed Lô of Senegal unveiled the composition of a new 30-member government on Monday evening. Notably, the executive team does not include representatives from PASTEF-Les Patriotes, despite the party holding a majority in the National Assembly.

This governmental realignment emerges amid a broader national political restructuring, which has seen the incorporation of various technocratic and political figures into the new cabinet. Hours before the official list was made public, former Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko had already declared that members of his political formation would not be participating in this latest government.

Outlining the strategic direction for the newly formed team, the Senegalese Prime Minister characterized it as a «mission-driven government with an obligation for tangible results». He emphasized its foundation on both political and technocratic pillars, ensuring significant representation for youth and women.

Furthermore, he specified that the government’s approach would involve a shift in methodology, prioritizing institutional coherence and leveraging the expertise of both national talents and the Senegalese diaspora.

The new governmental structure sees several key figures from the previous administration retaining their portfolios. Among them are Senegalese ministers Cheikh Diba for Economy, Cheikh Niane for Foreign Affairs, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye for Hydraulics and Sanitation, and Moustapha Guirassy for National Education.

Similarly, other prominent Senegalese officials maintaining their positions include Ibrahima Sy at Health, Moussa Bala Fofana for Urban Planning, Yankhoba Diémé for the Armed Forces, Déthié Fall for Infrastructure, and Bakary Sarr for Communication.

This cabinet restructuring follows the decision by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to appoint Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô as Prime Minister on May 26. Lô steps into the role previously held by Ousmane Sonko, who has since been elected to serve as President of the Senegalese National Assembly.