SENEGAL-SECURITY

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a strong directive to relevant government ministries, urging them to implement essential measures for flood prevention ahead of the impending rainy season. During this week’s Council of Ministers meeting, Mr. Sonko provided explicit instructions to ensure comprehensive preparedness, as confirmed by government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye.

The Prime Minister specifically called upon ministers to ensure the immediate activation of critical strategies. These include the thorough updating and validation of all communal emergency plans, alongside a rigorous verification of the functionality of early warning systems and communication channels.

Furthermore, he mandated the pre-positioning of intervention resources and the organization of a full-scale inter-ministerial simulation exercise, which must be completed by June 15, 2026.

Commending the proactive groundwork already undertaken, the Prime Minister highlighted the efforts of the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation and other state services. This preparatory work encompasses crucial tasks such as clearing drainage networks, inspecting existing drainage infrastructure, strategically placing pumping equipment, and developing robust emergency response blueprints.

Recognizing the inherently inter-ministerial nature of effective flood prevention, Mr. Sonko implored all government departments to foster seamless collaboration. 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 initiatives.