In a significant development, Samba Ndiaye has been officially appointed as the President of the Board of Directors of the Société nationale des Habitations à loyer modéré (SN-HLM) in Senegal. This appointment was made through a decree issued by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on September 18, 2026. Ndiaye's nomination had sparked controversy in October 2024, with militants from the PASTEF party expressing their discontent.
The controversy surrounding Ndiaye's nomination led to the suspension of the decree, reportedly due to the absence of a countersignature from the then Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko. PASTEF militants argued that Ndiaye's past political affiliations and positions were incompatible with the values of the project championed by President Faye and Sonko. Despite these challenges, President Faye has reaffirmed his confidence in Ndiaye by issuing the decree.
In a statement published on social media, Samba Ndiaye expressed his gratitude to President Faye for the renewed trust. He highlighted the President's leadership qualities, describing him as a leader with great generosity, humility, and empathy. Ndiaye also took the opportunity to address his critics, describing them as "ignorant" individuals who lack a sense of responsibility.
Ndiaye emphasized the legitimacy of his appointment, pointing out that all decrees, including those related to his appointment and the dismissal of his detractors, were signed by President Faye. He reiterated his commitment to following the directives of the Head of State, which include supporting the General Directorate of SN-HLM and promoting access to social housing in peace and harmony.
The SN-HLM is a critical institution in Senegal, responsible for providing affordable housing to citizens. Ndiaye, an engineer in civil engineering, is expected to play a key role in driving the institution's mission. His appointment is seen as a significant move by President Faye to strengthen the institution and ensure its effectiveness in addressing the country's housing needs.
President Faye's decision to appoint Ndiaye despite the controversy suggests a strong commitment to his vision for the SN-HLM and the country. The move is likely to be seen as a test of the President's leadership and his ability to navigate complex political landscapes. Ndiaye's tenure as President of the SN-HLM Board of Directors is expected to be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.
As Ndiaye assumes his new role, he faces the challenge of balancing the interests of various stakeholders while implementing the President's directives. His statement suggests a willingness to work collaboratively with the government and other stakeholders to achieve the SN-HLM's objectives. The success of his tenure will depend on his ability to navigate these complex relationships and drive the institution's mission forward.
Key points
- President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Samba Ndiaye as President of the SN-HLM Board of Directors through a decree issued on September 18, 2026.
