Senegal’s President Faye Names ‘Breakaway’ Government

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced a “breakaway” administration on Friday, naming a slew of new faces to key positions following his landslide election victory last month.

The 44-year-old, who has never held public office before, won the first round on a platform of radical reform, becoming the country’s youngest president.

Faye appears to be sharing responsibilities with his designated prime minister and erstwhile mentor, Ousmane Sonko, who helped catapult the political newbie to power.

Sonko announced on Friday a cabinet of 25 ministers, welcoming it as a departure from the past.

“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,” said Sonko.

This handout picture taken an distributed by the Senegalese Presidency on April 5, 2024 shows Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko addressing the press ahead of the announcement of the list of the ministers at the Presidential Palace in Dakar. (Photo by Senegalese Presidency / AFP)

 

Sonko, 49, led Senegal’s anti-establishment movement but supported Faye on the presidential ballot after being prevented from running himself due to a defamation conviction.

Birame Souleye Diop has been appointed energy minister, a key job in a country that plans to begin oil and gas production in 2024.

Ousmane Diagne, a former public prosecutor at the Dakar Court of Appeal, is appointed justice minister.

The government comprised four women, who were given the portfolios of foreign affairs, fisheries, family, youth, and culture.

Senegal is confronting a number of significant issues, including an official unemployment rate of 20%.

Sonko stated on Friday that the government’s priority would be to create jobs for young people, cut living costs, and preserve human rights.

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