On September 30, 2026, President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye led a Council of Ministers meeting at the Palace of the Republic in Senegal. The meeting covered various critical topics, including preparations for the 2026-2027 school year, youth participation in public policies, and the fight against cancer. President Faye emphasized the importance of ensuring a smooth start to the new school year, with a focus on teacher recruitment, infrastructure development, and social dialogue with education stakeholders.
The President instructed the government to take necessary measures to guarantee a successful school year, with particular attention to the deployment of teaching staff, especially in rural areas. He also stressed the need to accelerate school construction projects and eliminate temporary classrooms. Furthermore, President Faye called for strengthened dialogue with teacher unions and the respect of commitments regarding exam and competition allowances, as well as statutory revaluations already validated.
President Faye also informed the Council about the installation of the Senegalese Youth Consultative Council (CCJS) on September 29, 2026. This body aims to enhance youth participation in decision-making processes and policy implementation. He requested the government to ensure its effective functioning and the deployment of the new National Employment Policy. The President also announced that he would meet with CCJS members annually to discuss their concerns and evaluate progress.
The continuity of essential public services was another key topic discussed during the meeting. President Faye urged the Prime Minister and government members to take measures to ensure quality services across the country, including access to healthcare, clean water, electricity, and telecommunications. He also emphasized the importance of securing supplies and building stocks of essential goods.
The upcoming agricultural campaign was also on the agenda, with President Faye requesting the government to accelerate preparations for the commercialization of agricultural products, particularly peanuts. He highlighted the need to finance the peanut sector and implement the SONACOS industrial transformation plan. Additionally, the President called for strengthened prevention against cancer, ahead of the launch of the "Octobre Rose" campaign.
The status of the Le Joola Memorial was also discussed, with the Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, requesting the Culture Minister to prepare a draft decree formalizing the memorial's status. The project is expected to be presented to the Council of Ministers in November 2026. The Prime Minister also called for the preparation of an interministerial council on the Diomaye Plan for Casamance, scheduled for November in Ziguinchor.
The Council of Ministers also reviewed the draft finance bill for 2027 and discussed various infrastructure projects. The government is expected to allocate necessary credits for these projects, which will be implemented in the coming months. President Faye concluded the meeting by emphasizing the importance of collaboration and effective communication among government members to achieve the country's development goals.
Key points
- President Faye prioritizes preparations for the 2026-2027 school year, youth participation in governance, and cancer prevention.
- The Senegalese government aims to enhance public services, including healthcare, water, electricity, and telecommunications.
- The status of the Le Joola Memorial is expected to be formalized in November 2026.
