Senegalese President Appoints New Finance and Energy Ministers
President Macky Sall of Senegal on Wednesday 11th October,announced the appointment of new finance and energy ministers as part of a government reshuffle. The president also dismissed the government and reinstated Prime Minister Amadou Ba on Friday, without providing an explanation for the decision.
As part of these changes, Antoine Diome, the former Interior Minister who faced criticism from the opposition for the government's response to protests, was named oil and energy minister.
Mamadou Moustapha Ba is appointed to lead the ministry responsible for finance and budget, while Doudou Ka will oversee the ministry in charge of the economy.
The presidency and the government coalition made a joint announcement, nominating their Prime Minister, Amadou Ba, as their party's candidate for the upcoming February 2024 presidential election. Following his uninterrupted tenure as President since 2012 and successful re-election in 2019, President Sall made a decisive announcement in July. He reassured the nation by confirming that he would not seek a third term, thereby resolving any potential constitutional issues. As a result, his party granted him the power to handpick a candidate of his preference to succeed him.
By 2024, Senegal will commence the extraction of oil and gas from extensive offshore reserves. These resources have the potential to significantly impact the country's economy in the following years.
Senegal is forecasted to experience robust economic expansion from 2023 to 2027. This growth will be fueled by the commencement of oil and gas initiatives and an influx of fresh investments.
