During the latest cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko placed a strong emphasis on strengthening flood prevention and response strategies across the country. Held on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, the session highlighted the critical need for coordinated national efforts to mitigate flood risks before the rainy season intensifies.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the proactive groundwork already underway by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation and other government agencies. Key initiatives include clearing drainage channels, inspecting flood control infrastructure, positioning emergency pumps, and developing contingency plans. However, Sonko stressed that these efforts must be unified under a single, cohesive strategy.
He called for enhanced inter-ministerial collaboration, with the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation leading coordination efforts. The Ministry of the Interior was tasked with bolstering civil protection measures and crisis management protocols. Sonko issued clear directives to ensure all relevant ministries implement immediate measures, including:
- Updating and validating all municipal emergency plans to reflect current flood risks;
- Verifying the functionality of early warning systems and communication channels with local communities;
- Pre-positioning intervention resources in high-risk areas; and
- Conducting a cross-departmental simulation drill before June 15, 2026 to test response readiness.
These measures aim to ensure swift, effective action when floods strike, protecting lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure across the nation.