April 8, 2000
DAKAR, Senegal (PANA) - The number of ministers in the Senegalese government has risen from 27 to 28 with the appointment of a junior minister at the ministry of education in charge of literacy, technical education and vocational training.
Becaye Diop, a school headmaster in Kolda, about 500 km south of Dakar, was appointed by a presidential decree published Friday.
With this decision, President Abdoulaye Wade and prime minister Moustapha Niasse want to give importance to literacy, technical education and vocational training, according to Fode Seck, general secretary of the government.
The independent daily, Walfadjri, believes that Diop's appointment "probably stems from a will to strike a regional balance and fill the gap noted in the cabinet where the region of Kolda was not initially represented."
It added that the president and prime minister also wanted to strengthen the ministry of education, taking into account social and academic problems and the strong mobilisation among trade unions.