The Senegalese Council of Ministers of December 18, 2024 reports on the decisions taken concerning the preservation of historical heritage, the reform of town planning and housing, as well as the preparation of the 2025 legislative agenda.
The President of the Republic underlined the crucial importance of historical and cultural heritage for the construction of a strong national identity. During the commemoration of the centenary of the disappearance of the national hero Lat Dior Ngoné Latyr DIOP in Thiès, the Head of State expressed his attachment to the promotion of this heritage. He stressed the need to preserve traditional values and celebrate national heroes.
With this in mind, he asked the government to work with local authorities to harmonize the naming of public spaces with significant historical facts. In addition, he advocated for the popularization and teaching of the history of Senegal, with a project of scientific rewriting and the rehabilitation of the heritage of communes and towns, including historical sites on islands such as Gorée and Carabane. The objective is to make collective memory a pillar of the country’s economic, social and cultural development.
Urban planning and housing: an accelerated development policy
The government has displayed a firm desire to accelerate territorial planning and the modernization of cities, in line with Vision Senegal 2050. The President of the Republic insisted on the updating of urban plans in all municipalities to control urban development. Particular attention will be paid to the strict application of harmonized architectural rules. In the field of housing, the government is committed to promoting construction that meets standards, while respecting town planning and environmental codes.
Sustainable solutions are being developed to accelerate access to decent housing, in particular through urban restructuring plans and the modernization of housing in rural areas. Decent housing has been made a national issue from 2025, with monthly monitoring of housing policy in the Council of Ministers. The Land Development and Urban Restructuring Company (SAFRU) will be revitalized, while the Guarantee Fund for Access to Housing (FOCALOG) will be evaluated. The development of urban centers, notably Diamniadio and Lac Rose, will be a priority.
Restructuring of public companies and legislative agenda 2025
The government is committed to restructuring public and parapublic companies in difficulty in order to ensure the continuity of public service. An interministerial monitoring committee was reactivated and a recovery fund was set up to support this approach. Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed that the 2025 legislative agenda must be aligned with Vision Senegal 2050. The ministries are invited to identify strategic and operational texts, with a view to anticipating deadlines and rationalizing the use of public resources.
International cooperation and preparations for the YOG Dakar 2026
Senegal is strengthening its cooperation with the Gambia, with a meeting of the Joint Consultative Commission, which has not taken place since 2011. This meeting will make it possible to take stock of current agreements and examine new files. In addition, preparations for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) are progressing, with monthly monitoring by the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture.
Cheikh Tidiane NDIAYE
