ECOWAS: Senegal elected to lead the Commission, strong promise from Bassirou Diomaye Faye
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal has been selected to lead the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States ECOWAS from 2026 to 2030. This decision was made at the 68th ordinary session of the Conference of Heads of State and Government in Abuja, Nigeria, on December 14, 2025. The Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs and Senegalese Abroad announced this marks Senegal's first time holding this position within the institution, following consultations among ECOWAS member states. Senegalese authorities view this as a sign of confidence from their community partners. The President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, thanked his West African counterparts, stating that this trust encourages Senegal to continue working with all member states for a stronger, more integrated ECOWAS focused on peace, stability, and the well-being of its people. This appointment occurs during a period of significant regional challenges, where ECOWAS is crucial for mediation, integration, and policy coordination. The ministry's statement highlights that this decision reflects Senegal鈥檚 standing within the sub-regional organization and its ongoing dedication to strengthening community governance.
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Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation FSF, has ignited widespread controversy following his public statements regarding the national team's doctor, Dr. F茅dior. During a press conference reviewing the 2026 World Cup, Fall claimed he "late discovered" that Dr. F茅dior was a gynecologist and that "the players were not convinced." These remarks have drawn significant attention from international media and social networks, extending beyond internal Senegalese football discussions. Fall's comments have raised questions about the choice of the team doctor and the FSF's operational procedures. Dr. F茅dior, a well-known figure in Senegalese football medicine, has had his competence publicly challenged despite having stated in 2018 that he had extensive experience in sports medicine, beginning with US Gor茅e in 1986, alongside his gynecology specialization. The controversy has led to inquiries about why Dr. F茅dior remained part of the medical staff if his profile was deemed unsuitable for a World Cup, and why his specialization is now being highlighted as a reason for Senegal's performance. Furthermore, Fall's public attribution of the team's difficulties to a member of its medical staff has exposed the FSF's recruitment, validation, and monitoring processes for national delegation officials.
The controversy surrounding Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup continues, with Idrissa Gana Gueye posting an enigmatic message on social media shortly after a press conference by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation. Fall had justified the decision to part ways with coach Pape Thiaw, criticizing the team's preparation, technical choices, and staff operations. Gueye, who had previously supported Thiaw, did not directly name Fall or Thiaw but hinted at a different interpretation of events. He wrote, "Alhamdoulillah, in all circumstances. Proud of you, guys! But... now, let's talk about it. What do you think? Since the end of the match, I can't find the words or truly understand what happened. I do have my own little idea... And you?" This refers to the match against Belgium, where Senegal led 2-0 until the 85th minute before losing, leading to their World Cup elimination. Gueye's message is expected to fuel further debate on accountability for the failure, suggesting some players may have a different perspective than the Federation.
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