President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko have moved to shake up Senegal’s government as frustration mounts over slow reforms and worsening economic hardship.
In a surprise television address late Saturday, Sonko announced a cabinet reshuffle, describing it as a “government of combat” and pledging to work tirelessly to confront debt, poverty, and the erosion of public trust.
Former Foreign Minister Yassine Fall has been appointed Justice Minister, replacing Judge Ousmane Diagne. Sonko emphasized that her role will be to “reconcile with the Senegalese people and restore their confidence.”
Diplomat Cheikh Niang takes over as the new Foreign Minister, while Bamba Cisse, Sonko’s former lawyer, has been named Interior Minister.
However, critics argue the administration is still stalling on probes into human rights abuses under ex-President Macky Sall, including the violent crackdowns on opposition protests in 2021.
