The official transfer of power at the Primature provided a significant moment for Senegal’s new Prime Minister, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô, to honor his predecessor, Ousmane Sonko. During the ceremony, Lô underscored their established working relationship and articulated a vision for continued collaboration and coordinated governance, aiming to forge a path of shared leadership.
The formal handover of responsibilities at the Primature took place on Friday, marking the official installation of Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô as the new head of government, succeeding the outgoing Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko.
The transition ceremony was characterized by expressions of mutual respect and detailed recollections of the two leaders’ joint efforts in steering state affairs. Addressing the attendees, the newly appointed head of government recounted his initial interactions with Ousmane Sonko. He revealed, « In April 2024, he reached out to me. He didn’t know me. I came. He placed his trust in me, » describing the genesis of an institutional partnership centered on the National Transformation Agenda.
Lô further detailed his subsequent involvement in various executive tasks, stating, « They made a decision, and the President of the Republic called me to his side for the National Transformation Agenda, which we elaborated under his guidance. The successful outcome is evident and widely praised. » The new Prime Minister highlighted that he was encouraged to serve as a liaison between the Primature and the Presidency. « At the time, as he departed, Sonko asked me to remain the bridge between the Primature and the Presidency concerning the National Transformation Agenda. That is what I endeavored to do, » Lô clarified.
He also noted the consistent access he had to his predecessor for updates and discussions: « Whenever I needed to report back or exchange ideas with him, he always welcomed me graciously. » Reflecting on the governmental transition, Ahmadou Al Aminou Lô emphasized the profound human and institutional significance of the occasion. « It is an honor to undertake this with someone who wished me every success in the Senegalese state, who supported me with immense generosity, » he conveyed, commending Sonko’s demeanor during the ceremony.
The new government head also shared a recent conversation with Ousmane Sonko, who reportedly cautioned him about the challenges ahead. « He already gave me a heads-up, I believe last Tuesday, telling me that it’s going to be very, very tough, » Lô disclosed. While affirming his commitment to continued inter-institutional cooperation, he indicated his reliance on his predecessor’s counsel: « I will continue to benefit from his wise advice. And I will also continue to seek his guidance whenever necessary. »