Senegal's President Bashir Diomai Fay on Friday appointed a number of new people to key positions and formed a “breakaway” government following his landslide victory in last month's elections.
The 44-year-old, who has never held elected office before, won a landslide victory in the first round on a promise of radical reforms, becoming the country's youngest president.
Fay appears intent on sharing responsibility with the appointed prime minister and former leader. Usman Sonkohelped facilitate the political newcomer's rise to power.
Sonko announced a 25-member cabinet on Friday, welcoming a break from the past.
“The government established here on April 5 is a breakaway government that embodies the project of institutional change that the Senegalese people voted for,” Sonko said.
Sonko, 49, was at the forefront of Senegal's anti-regime movement, but was barred from running due to a defamation conviction, so he supported Fay in the presidential election.
Birameh Soulai Diop has been appointed Minister of Energy, a strategic position in the country, which is scheduled to start producing oil and gas in 2024.
Ousmane Diagne, a former prosecutor at the Dakar Court of Appeal, will become justice minister.
The government included four women, who were tasked with affairs related to foreign affairs, fisheries, family, youth, and culture.
Senegal faces many major challenges, including an official unemployment rate of 20%.
Sonko said on Friday that the government's priorities include employment for young people, lowering the cost of living and protecting human rights.
lalbar/mca/mtp
