During the official handover ceremony at the Prime Minister’s office, outgoing leader Ousmane Sonko and newly appointed Prime Minister Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô exchanged messages of mutual respect and highlighted their past collaboration in steering the nation’s affairs. The event signaled not just a leadership transition but also the potential for continued partnership in governance.
The handover, held on a Friday, marked the formal installation of Al Aminou Lô as the new head of government, succeeding Sonko in the critical role. The ceremony underscored a moment of continuity, with both leaders acknowledging the challenges ahead while emphasizing the importance of institutional stability.
In his address, the incoming Prime Minister reflected on his early interactions with Sonko, recalling how he was entrusted with responsibilities despite initial unfamiliarity. « In April 2024, he reached out to me. I was unknown to him, yet he placed his trust in me, » Al Aminou Lô shared, referring to their joint work on the National Transformation Agenda. He further recounted his subsequent integration into key executive roles, stating, « The Head of State called upon me to contribute to the Agenda’s implementation under his guidance, and the outcomes have been widely recognized. »
The new Prime Minister also highlighted the collaborative framework established during the transition, noting, « Sonko encouraged me to act as a bridge between the Prime Minister’s office and the Presidency regarding the National Transformation Agenda—a role I have since fulfilled. » He emphasized the regular consultations he held with his predecessor, affirming, « Whenever I sought his guidance or needed to report progress, he welcomed me with openness and support. »
The handover took on a deeply personal tone as Al Aminou Lô expressed gratitude for Sonko’s mentorship, stating, « It is an honor to carry out this transition with someone who has wholeheartedly supported this nation and generously accompanied me through this journey. » He also shared a candid warning from Sonko about the road ahead: « He made it clear to me just days ago that the challenges will be immense. » Despite the tough outlook, the new leader vowed to uphold collaborative efforts, declaring, « I will continue to seek his seasoned advice whenever necessary. »