Senegal’s president outlines bold reforms at cabinet meeting

During a pivotal cabinet meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Palace, His Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye issued sweeping directives to Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s administration, setting clear benchmarks for performance across multiple sectors of national governance.

The head of state opened the session by announcing a strategic shift in the approach to national dialogue. Recognizing the sensitivities surrounding religious observances, he decided to replace the planned large-scale public consultations with a series of one-on-one meetings with key stakeholders. Starting tomorrow, the president will receive former prime ministers and cabinet members—particularly those who previously oversaw finance and interior security—before expanding consultations to include other influential figures and representatives of civil society.

This initiative aims to foster broader consensus on Senegal’s economic, social, security, and political priorities. President Faye emphasized the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to shaping the nation’s future trajectory.

Government accountability takes center stage

The president underscored the critical importance of monitoring government performance, particularly in implementing the National Transformation Agenda. He called for a more rigorous evaluation system to assess public policies and ensure their effective execution.

To reinforce this culture of accountability, President Faye announced a restructuring of cabinet meetings, which will now convene biweekly for a defined period. This adjustment is designed to deepen the government’s focus on impact assessment and results-driven governance. Each minister was instructed to conduct thorough evaluations of their respective agencies’ directors and senior officials, extending this oversight to territorial administrations and diplomatic missions.

The Interior Minister has been tasked with assessing regional administrative chiefs, while the Foreign Affairs Minister must evaluate the performance of ambassadors and consular staff. Additionally, the government has been directed to develop a framework for evaluating mayors and departmental council presidents, ensuring greater transparency and efficiency at the local level.

Administrative and economic priorities take shape

President Faye praised the completion of the third ministerial sphere in Diamniadio as a milestone in public expenditure rationalization. He also urged the swift conclusion of several strategic initiatives, including the final validation of the 2026-2028 Multiannual Budget and Economic Programming Document, optimization of public procurement processes, and meticulous preparation for upcoming budget conferences.

Reforming civil registration and water access

The president identified civil registration as an urgent priority, citing systemic shortcomings in the current framework. He set a strict deadline for the presentation of an Emergency Plan to Strengthen Civil Registration Management by the end of June 2026. The plan must include the full digitalization of civil records, enhanced document reliability, and secure archival practices. National consultations to strengthen sector governance are scheduled for completion by late August 2026.

Addressing persistent water access challenges in regions such as Touba, Kaffrine, Louga, and Keur Massar, President Faye demanded immediate action. He directed the Ministry of Hydraulics—working in coordination with SONES, OFOR, and SEN’EAU—to implement urgent measures that significantly improve potable water availability for affected communities.

A patriotic call to the national football team

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, President Faye conveyed a message of unwavering support to the Senegalese national football team, the Lions. He called for comprehensive preparations by the Ministry of Sports and the Senegalese Football Federation to ensure the team’s successful participation in the tournament, emphasizing the importance of national pride and unity.