Senegal Appoints New Minister of Sports After Recent Reshuffle
Following a ministerial reshuffle prompted by local elections, Senegal’s Department of Sport has a new head: Matar Bâ, 44, former mayor of Fatick—President Macky Sall’s hometown. He replaces Mbagnick Ndiaye, now transferred to the Ministry of Culture and Communication.
Matar Bâ is known for his involvement in the associative movement and his previous role as president of the National Organization for holiday activities (ONCAV), which organizes popular school holiday sports championships across Senegal. His close relationship with President Macky Sall was a key factor in his appointment.
However, Bâ inherits significant challenges including a lack of sports infrastructure, absence of a cohesive sports policy, and the widespread use of temporary structures instead of formal sports federations.
Notably, Bâ is the third Minister of Sports appointed during Macky Sall’s two-year presidency since April 2012, signaling ongoing instability in the ministry.
