SENEGAL-SECURITE

Dakar – Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a clear directive to ministers responsible for flood prevention, urging them to implement all necessary measures well in advance of the upcoming rainy season in Senegal.

During a recent Council of Ministers meeting, precise instructions were conveyed to the relevant ministries, as confirmed by government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye. The Prime Minister underscored the importance of immediate action on several fronts.

Mr. Sonko specifically called upon ministers to ensure the prompt execution of key initiatives. These include the comprehensive update and validation of all municipal emergency plans, alongside a thorough verification of the operational readiness of early warning systems and critical communication channels.

Furthermore, he advised ministries to focus on the strategic pre-positioning of essential intervention resources. A crucial inter-ministerial simulation exercise must also be organized and completed before June 15, 2026, to test readiness and coordination.

The Prime Minister acknowledged and commended the preparatory work already undertaken by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, as well as various state services. This foundational work encompasses critical tasks such as the dredging of drainage networks, inspection of existing drainage infrastructure, strategic placement of pumps, and the development of comprehensive emergency action plans.

Recognizing the inherently inter-ministerial nature of effective flood prevention, Prime Minister Sonko strongly encouraged all government departments to foster seamless synergy. This collaborative effort will be coordinated by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with vital support from the Ministry of Interior, particularly for aspects concerning civil protection and overarching crisis management.