The President of Senegal has appointed Air Brigade General Pape Cissé as the new Chief of Air Staff, effective May 1, 2026. This decision signals a major strategic shift in the country’s national defense priorities.

General Pape Cissé, previously serving as commander of the Presidential Squadron, now takes over from General Elhadj Niang, who led the Air Force since 2023. The move underscores a fresh direction in Senegal’s aerial defense strategy.
Senegal’s president names new air force chief in strategic shift