On September 30, 2026, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye convened a Council of Ministers meeting at the Palace of the Republic, where he emphasized the importance of education, youth empowerment, and healthcare. The President instructed the government to ensure a smooth start to the new school year while maintaining social stability. He also stressed the need to accelerate the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms and eliminate temporary shelters.
President Faye highlighted the importance of strengthening social dialogue with teacher unions and fulfilling commitments on exam allowances and statutory revaluations. He called for a concerted reform of curricula, incorporating digitalization and regulation of social media. Additionally, he emphasized the need for enhanced oversight of private education and better integration of Daara institutions.
The President also focused on youth empowerment, emphasizing the need for their effective participation in decision-making processes. Following the installation of the Senegalese Youth Consultative Council (CCJS) on September 29, President Faye ordered the urgent deployment of the National Employment Policy, which had already been validated. He also announced that he would hold an annual meeting with CCJS members to listen to their concerns and evaluate progress.
President Faye reminded the government of the importance of ensuring continuity of public services, including access to healthcare, clean water, electricity, and telecommunications. He also emphasized the need to secure stockpiles of essential goods. In the context of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the President highlighted the fight against cancer as a major health priority.
The President instructed the government to prepare for the upcoming peanut harvest, ensuring adequate financing and implementation of the Industrial Transformation Plan of the Senegalese National Oil Company (SONACOS). He also reviewed his recent diplomatic engagements, including his attendance at the 81st United Nations General Assembly and visits to Washington, the United Arab Emirates, and New York.
President Faye is set to travel to Egypt from October 2 to 4, 2026, as the current Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and then to Abuja for the inauguration of new judges at the Court. The President's agenda reflects his commitment to regional and international cooperation.
The Council of Ministers meeting demonstrates President Faye's focus on addressing key challenges facing Senegal, including education, youth empowerment, healthcare, and economic development. His administration's priorities aim to promote social stability, improve living standards, and enhance the country's regional and international standing.
Key points
- President Faye emphasizes education as a top priority, focusing on a smooth start to the new school year and improvements in the education sector.
- The President highlights the importance of youth empowerment, including their participation in decision-making processes and the deployment of the National Employment Policy.
- President Faye stresses the need for continuity of public services, including healthcare, and enhanced efforts to combat cancer.
