Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegal’s new government under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lo was unveiled on Monday, retaining a 30-member structure but introducing significant changes aimed at redefining the country’s executive leadership following the departure of former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
The new cabinet maintains several key figures from the previous administration while bringing in a number of new faces and eliminating the standalone Ministry of Budget, which has now been merged into the Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning.
Several Ministers Retained, Others Exit
According to Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo, the new government combines technocrats and politicians. Among the ministers retained from the previous cabinet are Cheikh Diba, Cheikh Niang, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Moustapha Mamba Guirassy, Ibrahima Sy, Moussa Balla Fofana, Yankhoba Diémé and Déthié Fall.
The reshuffle, however, has resulted in the departure of several ministers associated with the previous administration. Former Interior Minister Bamba Cissé has left government, as has Mabouba Diagne, who previously headed the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock.
Other ministers who did not retain their positions include Fatou Diouf (Fisheries), Olivier Boucal (Public Service), Moustapha Ndieck Sarré (Vocational Training), Khady Diène Gaye (Youth and Sports), Amadou Ba (Culture), Alioune Sall (Communication) and Marie Rose Faye, who served as government spokesperson.
Budget Ministry Merged Into Finance Portfolio
One of the most notable institutional changes is the abolition of the separate Ministry of Budget. Under the previous administration, the Ministry of Finance and Budget was distinct from the Ministry of Economy, Planning and Cooperation.
The new arrangement consolidates those responsibilities under a single Ministry of Economy, Finance and Planning.
Although Cheikh Diba remains in government, he will no longer serve as Minister of Finance and Budget under the revised structure.
Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé Takes Over Interior Ministry
Among the new appointments, Mouhamadou Makhtar Cissé has been named Minister of Interior and Public Security, replacing Bamba Cissé.
A former Director General of Senelec and a former Energy Minister under former President Macky Sall, Cissé returns to government in one of the country’s most strategic portfolios, overseeing internal security, territorial administration and law enforcement agencies.
His appointment comes amid a major political realignment marked by the absence of members of the ruling Pastef party from the new cabinet and the installation of Ousmane Sonko as President of the National Assembly.
Moussa Sarr Handed Justice Portfolio
Another prominent newcomer is Me Moussa Sarr, who has been appointed Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals.
A respected lawyer known for his legal expertise and professional integrity, Sarr has built a reputation as a principled advocate and rigorous legal practitioner. His appointment is widely seen as a signal from the Diomaye Faye administration of its intention to strengthen confidence in the justice system at a time of significant institutional change.
As head of one of the government’s most sensitive ministries, he will oversee judicial reforms and the administration of justice.
Djireye Clotilde Coly Named Youth and Sports Minister
The cabinet also features a new face at the Ministry of Youth and Sports. Chartered accountant Djireye Clotilde Coly has been appointed to lead the department, succeeding Khady Diène Gaye.
Before joining the cabinet, Coly served as Director of Employment at the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training after her appointment in November 2025. She later resigned from that position before being selected for ministerial office.
Her appointment comes just days before the start of the FIFA World Cup, where Senegal’s national team, the Lions of Teranga, will be competing.
As minister, she will be responsible for youth empowerment and employment initiatives, sports development, infrastructure projects and support mechanisms for athletes and sporting institutions.
New Government Signals Political Recomposition
The formation of the new cabinet marks the first major government team assembled under Prime Minister Al Aminou Lo following the political rupture that led to Sonko’s dismissal as prime minister and his subsequent move to the leadership of the National Assembly.
The appointments are expected to shape the next phase of President Diomaye Faye’s administration as it seeks to consolidate its governance agenda and navigate a rapidly evolving political landscape.
Leave a Reply