During the Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye issued a series of robust instructions to the government, led by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko. The Head of State laid out a clear agenda, emphasizing accountability and tangible outcomes across critical sectors, including national dialogue, public performance oversight, civil registration management, and access to water for citizens in Senegal.

Commencing his address, President Faye revisited the National Dialogue Day initially scheduled for May 28. Acknowledging the prevailing religious context, he announced a strategic shift: instead of large-scale public consultations, he would engage in individual audiences with various influential figures from across the nation.

“Starting tomorrow, I will be receiving former Prime Ministers and past ministers, particularly those who held portfolios in finance and internal security,” the President stated. He further indicated that other prominent national personalities and representatives of vital community forces would be consulted in subsequent phases. Through this approach, Bassirou Diomaye Faye aims to strengthen consensus around key national priorities and broaden participation in discussions concerning Senegal’s economic, social, security, and political landscape. This move underscores a commitment to inclusive governance in African politics today.

The President also placed significant emphasis on closely monitoring governmental actions, a directive that directly impacts Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko and his cabinet. “The optimal execution of our National Transformation Agenda necessitates a systematic evaluation of public policies and rigorous oversight of governmental operations,” he declared.

In line with this dynamic, he unveiled a reform to the functioning of the Council of Ministers. “The Council of Ministers will convene every other week for a defined period, fostering a stronger culture of assessing the impact of government initiatives,” the Head of State affirmed. Bassirou Diomaye Faye thus issued a clear mandate to the executive: cultivate a robust culture of accountability and performance.

“Each member of the Government must undertake the evaluation of the directors-general and directors of entities under their responsibility, oversight, or control,” he demanded. The President extended this principle of scrutiny to territorial and diplomatic administrations, instructing the Minister of Interior to evaluate administrative district heads and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to monitor the performance of heads of diplomatic and consular missions.

Regarding local authorities, he tasked the relevant ministry with collaborating with stakeholders to devise “an effective mechanism for evaluating mayors and departmental council presidents.” On the fiscal and administrative fronts, the Head of State commended the completion of the third ministerial sphere in Diamniadio, hailing it as a crucial tool for rationalizing public expenditures.

He further called for the acceleration of several strategic dossiers. “It is imperative to finalize the validation phase of the 2026-2028 multi-year budgetary and economic programming document, optimize the timeframe for public procurement, and meticulously prepare for budgetary conferences,” he urged.

The issue of civil registration emerged as a pressing concern during this Council of Ministers meeting. Addressing identified shortcomings within the current system, Bassirou Diomaye Faye set a precise deadline. “An Emergency Plan for Strengthening Civil Registration Management must be presented before the end of June 2026,” he instructed the minister responsible for Territorial Collectivities.

The President emphasized the need for comprehensive reform. “It is paramount to accelerate the full digitalization of civil registration, ensure the reliability of documents, and guarantee adequate and secure preservation of registers and archives,” he underscored. Following this logic, national consultations are slated for organization before the end of August 2026 to enhance governance in this sector, a vital aspect of African society news.

Access to potable water also drew the Head of State’s attention. Observing persistent challenges in several localities, particularly Touba, Kaffrine, Louga, and Keur Massar, he demanded immediate action. “All urgent measures must be implemented to significantly improve the population’s access to water,” he insisted with the Minister of Hydraulics, in coordination with SONES, OFOR, and SEN’EAU.

With the 2026 World Cup just weeks away, Bassirou Diomaye Faye concluded by extending a message of support to the Lions of Senegal. “On behalf of the Nation, I convey a message of mobilization, encouragement, and unwavering support to the Lions,” he declared, while also instructing the Ministry of Sports and the Senegalese Football Federation to take “all appropriate additional measures” to ensure Senegal’s successful participation in the World Cup. This is important pan-African current affairs for sports enthusiasts.