Senegal: General Mbaye Cissé new Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces

Senegalese soldiers who participated in the commemorations of Independence Day, in Dakar, April 4, 2023. REUTERS - ZOHRA BENSEMRA

Text by: RFI Follow

1 min

In Senegal, the change at the head of the army. General Mbaye Cissé was appointed Thursday evening, April 6, to the post of Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces (CEMGA). Until now, he was Chief of Staff to President Macky Sall. He will succeed General Sheikh Wade as of April 10.

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With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac

Former child of the Prytanée militaire de Saint-Louis, General Mbaye Cissé went through the National School of Active Officers of Thiès. He is also a graduate of the U.S. Army School of Staff and Command, and a graduate of the Paris War School, according to the Senegalese News Agency. Former director of CHEDS, the Centre for Higher Studies in Defence and Security, the soldier is also described as a "brilliant intellectual".

Lieutenant General Mbaye CISSE, previously Chief of the Special Staff of the President of the Republic, is appointed Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, replacing General Cheikh Wade.https://t.co/Rl9KrlqHnA pic.twitter.com/PeEdCnfiBS

— RTS SENEGAL (@RTS1_Senegal) April 6, 2023

No official explanation has been given for the change, which comes less than a year before the presidential election, after political tensions in recent weeks, and in a context of regional instability. New army units, new equipment... During his speech on April 4, Independence Day, the head of state had insisted on "securing the territory", "in the face of rising dangers".

Some observers say they are "surprised" by the announced departure of General Sheikh Wade before the end of his command. He is "called to other functions," simply says the statement of the presidency.

Senegalese President Macky Sall and Gen. Cheikh Wade review troops during a military parade marking Senegal's Independence Day in Dakar, Senegal, April 4, 2023. REUTERS - ZOHRA BENSEMRA

Vice-Admiral Oumar Wade, previously Chief of Staff of the French Navy, is appointed as President Macky Sall's new Chief of Staff.

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Read on on the same topics:

  • Senegal
  • Defense
  • Macky Sall