The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has directed all relevant ministers to implement urgent measures to mitigate flood risks ahead of the upcoming rainy season. During Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, the head of government emphasized the critical need for improved disaster preparedness and coordination.
According to government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye, several immediate actions must be prioritized to strengthen resilience before the 2026 rainy season arrives. Sonko underscored the importance of pre-positioning emergency response resources and mandated a nationwide interministerial simulation drill—scheduled before June 15, 2026—to assess the state’s disaster response capabilities.
The cabinet also highlighted ongoing preparatory efforts, including clearing drainage systems, inspecting flood control infrastructure, deploying additional pumping equipment, and finalizing emergency response plans in high-risk areas. Given the cross-cutting nature of flood prevention, Sonko called for seamless collaboration among all government agencies, with the Ministry of Water and Sanitation leading coordination efforts and the Ministry of the Interior supporting civil protection and crisis management.