President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal has named a cabinet on Friday, appointing mostly fresh faces to top roles following his landslide victory last month.
The 44-year-old, who has never before held elected office, swept to a first-round victory on a promise of radical reform, becoming the country’s youngest president.
President Faye looks ready to share responsibilities with his appointed prime minister and former mentor Ousmane Sonko, who helped propel the political newcomer’s rise to power.
Sonko unveiled on Friday a cabinet of 25 ministers, hailing it as a departure from the past.
“The government set up here on April 5 is a breakaway government… that embodies the project, a systemic transformation voted for by the Senegalese people,” said Sonko.
Sonko, 49, led Senegal’s anti-establishment movement but endorsed Faye on the presidential ballot after he was barred from running himself due to a defamation conviction.
The energy ministry will be headed by Birame Souleye Diop.
The ministry is particularly strategic because Senegal is set to start producing oil and gas in 2024.
A former public prosecutor at the Dakar Court of Appeal, Ousmane Diagne was appointed as justice minister.
Four women joined the cabinet as ministers of foreign affairs; fisheries; culture; family and youth.
Senegal is battling several challenges, including an official unemployment rate of 20 percent.
Sonko said the government would prioritise youth employment, reducing the cost of living and protecting human rights.
