Senegal’s new government excludes PASTEF amid political shifts

Senegal’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Amine Mohamed Lô, announced Monday evening the formation of a 30-member government, deliberately excluding representatives from the PASTEF-Les Patriotes party, despite its majority status in the National Assembly.

This cabinet reshuffle reflects the nation’s evolving political landscape, with the inclusion of both technocratic and political figures. Hours before the official list was released, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko confirmed that his party would not participate in the new government.

The Prime Minister emphasized that this administration is designed as a mission-driven government focused on tangible results, blending political and technical expertise while prioritizing youth and women’s representation. He stressed that the government’s approach will emphasize institutional cohesion and leverage national talent, including contributions from the diaspora.

The restructuring follows President Bassirou Diomaye Faye‘s decision on May 26 to appoint Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô as Prime Minister, succeeding Ousmane Sonko, who was subsequently elected President of the National Assembly.

Key appointees retained in the new government

The new cabinet maintains continuity with several key ministers from the previous administration:

• Cheikh Diba remains at the helm of the Economy portfolio,
• Cheikh Niane continues as Minister of Foreign Affairs,
• Cheikh Tidiane Dièye oversees Hydraulics and Sanitation,
• Moustapha Guirassy stays in charge of National Education,
• Ibrahima Sy heads the Health sector,
• Moussa Bala Fofana manages Urban Planning,
• Yankhoba Diémé leads the Armed Forces,
• Déthié Fall remains responsible for Infrastructure, and
• Bakary Sarr continues as Communication Minister.

This government formation underscores the strategic direction set by President Faye, aiming to align executive action with national priorities while navigating the complexities of Senegal’s political dynamics.