On November 5, 2025, a significant Cabinet meeting took place under the presidency of His Excellency Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, the President of Senegal. The meeting underscored three vital demands that outline national priorities and ambitions for the coming months.
Key Demands Unveiled: Diomaye’s Three Conditions for Sonko’s Team
The President’s three key demands encompass the organization of the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar 2026, the strengthening of the social and solidarity economy, and the drive for food self-sufficiency, particularly in the rice sector.
1. Successful Organization of the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026
The first major condition set forth by President Faye emphasizes the successful planning and execution of the Youth Olympic Games (JOJ), scheduled from October 31 to November 13, 2026. The President acknowledged the importance of this international event for showcasing Senegal on the world stage.
He highlighted actions already undertaken, including the introduction of the official mascot “AYO” on October 31, 2025, and a site inspection conducted on November 2, 2025. The President urged the government, the JOJ Organizing Committee, and relevant public and private entities to ensure all preventive measures are in place and that infrastructure projects meet deadlines with optimal standards of quality, safety, and sustainability.
Additionally, he called for enhanced security around events and improvements to transportation systems servicing accommodation sites and stadiums. Cultural and tourist heritage promotion was also emphasized, along with mobilizing national resources to ensure the success of these games, which will place Senegal at the forefront of international sporting and cultural conversations.
2. Strengthening the Social and Solidarity Economy
The second demand focuses on advancing the social and solidarity economy along with promoting employment and community development. President Faye reiterated the government’s commitment to combating poverty, vulnerability, and social exclusion.
He instructed ministers to:
- Accelerate the implementation of programs promoting cooperative approaches nationwide.
- Evaluate the application of initiatives in the law regarding the social and solidarity economy.
- Develop and implement a national strategy to encourage corporate social responsibility (CSR) to enhance social progress and improve public welfare.
The President encouraged the government to declare 2026 as a year dedicated to promoting employment and the social and solidarity economy, calling for the mobilization of local expertise and financial resources.
3. Ensuring Rice Self-Sufficiency and Local Production Valorization
The third demand addresses the national rice sector and food sovereignty. The President highlighted the urgent need to increase financial efforts directed towards expanding hydro-agricultural developments, improving yield, and supporting rice farmers through effective provision of inputs and agricultural equipment.
He urged the ministers of Industry, Trade, Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Livestock to engage in urgent consultations with sector professionals to:
- Identify adequate means for the local rice transformation.
- Establish organized and rapid marketing through controlled distribution channels.
- Regulate local rice prices and enhance the sector’s branding.
President Faye emphasized that these initiatives are part of an economic patriotism strategy aimed at promoting the consumption of local rice and ensuring the country’s food self-sufficiency.
