🇸🇳SenegalWest Africa
Khalife's spokesperson calls for reassessment of state investments in Touba
via SeneNews6 min read
Serigne Cheikh Bassirou Mbacké Abdou Khadre, spokesperson for the Khalife general of the Mourides, has urged the state to reevaluate its investments in Touba, citing their inadequacy given the city's significant economic contribution. During a visit by territorial administration officials on May 29, 2026, he highlighted Touba's immense economic impact, particularly during the Grand Magal, which he estimates generates over 3,000 billion CFA francs. He noted Touba's status as Senelec's primary client for energy consumption and a major hub for banking transactions and imported goods. Serigne Cheikh Bassirou Mbacké Abdou Khadre deemed the 20 billion CFA francs in public investment "insignificant" in comparison to the city's economic output. He also addressed persistent issues with water access, road infrastructure, and education, stating that Touba receives only about 3% of the national education budget. While acknowledging the challenges faced by administrative authorities, the spokesperson called for a more equitable consideration of Touba's economic weight in national public policies.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Djireye Clotilde Coly has been appointed Minister of Youth and Sports in Senegal's new government, under the authority of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on June 1, 2026. A trained accountant, she takes over a strategic department just months before the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, whose preparations are entering a decisive phase. Coly replaces Khady Diène Gaye, who had been in the position since April 2024. Before her appointment in the first government of the new Prime Minister Al Aminou Lô, she served as Director of Employment within Senegal's Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. Her appointment comes as the World Cup begins in ten days, and the Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31 to November 13, 2026, in Dakar, are a major topic of discussion.
Professor Moustapha Kassé, a distinguished economist and research professor, has passed away, leaving a significant intellectual legacy in African higher education. He dedicated nearly fifty years to training, research, and the development of university institutions across the continent. Professor Kassé was one of the first agrégés in economic sciences from CAMES. Throughout his career, he held several prominent positions, including director of CREA, dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar, and president of the Conference of Teaching and Research Institutions in Africa CIRA. He was also a founding member of the Interuniversity Postgraduate Program PTCI, where he served as chairman of the board for many years. A key figure in economic sciences, Professor Kassé mentored generations of students and researchers, supervising numerous master's theses and doctoral dissertations at UCAD and other African and international universities. He was a member of prestigious institutions such as the Hassan II Academy of Morocco, the Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal, and the Chilafri association. His work, publications, and influence in economic debates established him as one of the most prolific and respected economists of his generation. His passing is a great loss for UCAD, the Senegalese university community, and the entire African academic world.
Must ReadPresident Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Mohamed Lô have formed a new 30-member government in Senegal, leading to the departure of several key figures from the previous administration. This reshuffle marks a significant change, with many prominent individuals from the initial 2024 government not being reappointed. Among those not retained are Birame Soulèye Diop Energy, Oil, and Mines, Birame Diop Armed Forces, Abdourahmane Sarr Economy, Planning, and Cooperation, Daouda Ngom Higher Education, and Alioune Sall Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital. Other ministers affected by the reshuffle include Moustapha Mamba Guirassy National Education, Mabouba Diagne Agriculture, Maimouna Dièye Family, Amadou Moustapha Ndieck Sarré Employment and Vocational Training, Fatou Diouf Fisheries, Olivier Boucal Public Service, and Khady Diène Gaye Youth and Sports. These changes highlight the extent of the renewal within the government, particularly in ministries deemed strategic by the new authorities.
Must ReadPASTEF-Les Patriotes, led by Ousmane Sonko, announced on June 1, 2026, that it will not participate in the new government formed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. The party cited disagreements with the head of state regarding the executive's structure and stated that none of its members would be officially represented. Despite this, the government, led by Prime Minister Ahmadou Al-Aminou Lo, includes several figures widely associated with the PASTEF movement or circles close to Ousmane Sonko in Senegalese political discourse. These ministers include Yankhoba Diémé, Minister of the Armed Forces; Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation; Ibrahim Sy, Minister of Health and Public Hygiene; Marie Angélique Mame Selbe Diouf, Minister of Family and Solidarity; and Déthié Fall, Minister of Infrastructure. These individuals are generally seen as part of the presidential movement or political alliances that supported the dynamic leading to Bassirou Diomaye Faye's election. Other government members, such as Cheikh Diba, Cheikh Niang, and Boubacar Camara, are viewed as technocrats or independent political figures whose backgrounds are not directly linked to PASTEF party affiliation.