On September 29, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal officially installed the Conseil Consultatif des Jeunes du Sénégal (CCJS), a youth consultative council aimed at promoting active participation of young people in public initiatives that concern them. The council is designed to be a permanent platform for dialogue and exchange, allowing young people to voice their opinions and contribute to decision-making processes.
The CCJS comprises 47 members representing various categories of young people in Senegal, including 28 regional representatives elected through a democratic process. The council's composition ensures parity, with one male and one female representative elected at each level. To be eligible, members must be between 15 and 35 years old and elected by their peers through a majority vote.
The primary role of the CCJS is to collect and analyze the concerns, expectations, and proposals of young people, prioritizing them based on their significance and relevance. The council serves as an interface between the aspirations of young people and public authorities, promoting a permanent dialogue. Its focus areas include employment, professional training, entrepreneurship, education, environment, and access to economic opportunities.
The CCJS is not a decision-making body but rather a platform for young people to express their views and participate in reflections on issues that directly affect them. The council's establishment marks a shift from young people being mere beneficiaries of public policies to being stakeholders in their conception. This approach aims to encourage responsible participation and ownership among young people.
The financing of the CCJS is outlined in decree n°2025-1962, which stipulates that the council's resources will come from state subsidies, development partners, donations, and legacies. The decree, published in the official journal on January 17, 2026, also provides for the possibility of mobilizing external resources. A secretary permanent, chosen from among state agents with at least five years of experience, will be responsible for the council's day-to-day functioning.
The president of the CCJS, elected by the national college, will be the main authority responsible for directing the council. The president must be no more than 35 years old at the time of election and will serve a three-year term, renewable once. The council's establishment is seen as a significant step towards integrating young people's aspirations into public policy and decision-making processes.
The launch of the CCJS reflects the Senegalese government's commitment to promoting youth participation and empowerment. By providing a formalized framework for young people to express their views and contribute to decision-making, the council is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the country's future and addressing the challenges facing its youth.
Key points
- The Conseil Consultatif des Jeunes du Sénégal (CCJS) was officially established by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye on September 29, 2026.
