Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko recently addressed the critical issue of flood prevention and management during a Council of Ministers meeting on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. He commended the initial preparatory efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, alongside other state departments. These crucial activities include the thorough cleaning of drainage networks, inspection of water management infrastructure, strategic pre-positioning of essential pumps, and the comprehensive development of emergency response plans across Senegal.

Emphasizing the inherently inter-ministerial nature of effective flood prevention, Prime Minister Sonko urged all government services to collaborate seamlessly. This concerted effort will be coordinated by the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with vital support from the Ministry of Interior, particularly concerning civil protection and overarching crisis management strategies. This collaborative approach is key to bolstering Senegal’s resilience against natural disasters.

Consequently, the head of government issued precise directives to the relevant ministers, instructing them to implement appropriate measures without delay. Among the immediate actions mandated are the comprehensive updating and validation of all communal emergency plans, rigorous verification of early warning systems and public communication channels, strategic pre-positioning of intervention resources, and the organization of a full inter-ministerial simulation exercise, all to be completed before June 15, 2026. These steps are vital for enhancing Senegal’s preparedness for potential flooding.