Senegal Unveils "Government of Combat" Amid Rising Public Frustration

Dakar – September 7, 2025 — In a surprise late-night address, Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko announced a major cabinet reshuffle, forming what he called a “government of combat” to tackle growing public dissatisfaction over stalled reforms and economic hardship.

The changes include former Foreign Minister Yassine Fall taking over as Justice Minister, tasked with restoring public trust. Diplomat Cheikh Niang becomes Foreign Minister, while Bamba Cissé, Sonko’s former lawyer, steps in as Interior Minister.

The shake-up comes amid criticism that the government has been slow to investigate past abuses under ex-President Macky Sall, including deadly protest crackdowns in 2021. With unemployment at 20% and over one-third of the population in poverty, Sonko is promising an economic reset focused on domestic funding to reduce debt.

Though he canceled a planned trip to France, Sonko will host the French PM in Dakar and plans visits to the UAE and Italy as Senegal seeks new global partnerships.

“We’re working 24/7,” Sonko said. “This is a fight—for justice, for jobs, and for the people.”