On Thursday, May 2, 2024, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye presided over the weekly meeting of the Council of Ministers at the Presidential Palace. In his opening speech, he expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the tragic road accident that occurred on Thursday, April 25, 2024, on the Koungheul-Koumpentoum axis near the village of Yamong. He wished a speedy recovery to the injured, who are already receiving assistance from the State.
Expressing deep concern about the recent increase in road accidents, President FAYE instructed the ministers responsible for land transportation, gendarmerie, and national police to propose, under the supervision of Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, an emergency plan for road safety and accident prevention to be implemented quickly and rigorously.
Furthermore, President FAYE “instructed the Minister of Land Transport to evaluate the actions of the National Road Safety Agency (ANASER) and adjust its interventions in terms of awareness-raising and support to public transport operators, especially drivers.”
In addition, Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized “the need for the government to strengthen partnerships with transport stakeholders and unions to intensify these efforts.” He also called for a rapid evaluation of the public transport company management system, particularly Dakar Dem Dikk, to consolidate sector development.
Regarding his diplomatic agenda, President Faye mentioned his recent working visit to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau on April 30, 2024, expressing gratitude to President Umaro Sissoco Embalo for the warm welcome. Finally, President FAYE announced his participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Summit scheduled for May 4 and 5, 2024, in Banjul, the sister Republic of The Gambia.
Priority Actions
Taking the floor, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko outlined the priorities around which he intends to mobilize government action in the coming weeks. These include proposing concrete measures to mitigate the cost of living, to better target subsidies for essential goods and petroleum products, and to reduce state expenditures.
Priority actions will also focus on tax reforms for more equity and transparency and on reforming the civil service remuneration system to make it more consistent, fair, and financially sustainable. Additionally, the government’s priority measures will target the 2024 agricultural production campaign, the “100,000 Housing Program,” and the promotion of SME financing.
These measures aim to lay the groundwork for convening a social dialogue to achieve a strong pact for sustainable social stability. Furthermore, the Prime Minister informed the Council of upcoming inter-ministerial council meetings. The first meeting took place on May 3, 2024, to discuss the measures the State plans to implement for the 2024 agricultural production campaign, with a firm resolve to end all observed irregularities in the distribution of inputs and agricultural equipment over the years.
Finally, the Prime Minister reported to the Council on the meetings he held with the President of the UEMOA Commission and the head of the Technical Services Mission of the International Monetary Fund, currently staying in Dakar.
Discussions with the IMF Technical Mission resulted in a satisfactory assessment of the new authorities’ strong commitment to improving economic and social governance. The mission also noted the similarity between the government program and the program signed with the IMF.
Following the discussions, the President of the Republic made appointments in Senegalese directions and administrations. These appointments mark a new phase in Senegal’s strategic sectors, aligning with President FAYE’s vision for transformation and growth.
Appointments
President FAYE made the following appointments:
- Babacar Gning, previously Deputy General Manager of the Strategic Investment Sovereign Fund (FONSIS), is appointed General Manager of FONSIS, replacing Mr. Abdoulaye Diouf Sarr.
- Dahirou Thiam is appointed General Manager of the Telecommunications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARTP), replacing Mr. Abdou Karim Sall.
- Assane Mbengue is appointed General Manager of Dakar Dem Dikk, replacing Mr. Ousmane Sylla.
- Ndéné Mbodj is appointed Director of the Dakar University Works Center (COUD), replacing Mr. Maguette Séne.
- Ngagne Demba Touré is appointed General Manager of the Senegal Mining Company (SOMISEN), replacing Mr. Ousmane Cissé.
- Ms. Aminata Sarr is appointed General Manager of the Senegal Telebroadcasting Company (TDS-SA), replacing Ms. Nafissatou Diouf.
- Ms. Ndeye Rokhaya Thiam is appointed General Manager of the Senegalese Shippers Council (COSEC), replacing Mr. Abdoulaye Diop.
- Abdoul Niang is appointed General Manager of the National Water Company of Senegal (SONES), replacing Mr. Charles Fall.
- Mamadou Abib Diop is appointed General Manager of the African Refining Company (SAR), replacing Ms. Mariame Ndoye Decraène.
- Ibrahima Ba is appointed General Manager of the Senegal National Railways Company (CFS), replacing Mr. El Hadji Malick Ndoye.
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