Ministre de l’Intégration africaine, des Affaires étrangères : Cheikh Niang, le nouveau visage de la diplomatie sénégalaise
With more than three decades of experience in diplomacy, Cheikh Niang, 68, has inherited the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad. The Thiès native, who has served as Senegal's permanent representative to the UN, will attempt to bring Senegalese diplomacy back to the forefront.
A son of the railway city to put Senegalese diplomacy back on track. Cheikh Niang, a native of Thiès, a seasoned diplomat and respected voice in international relations circles, has become Senegal's foreign minister. After 17 months of "procrastination," controversy, and internal tensions surrounding the new doctrine imposed by Yassine Fall, the new authorities are attempting to restore Senegalese diplomacy to its former glory.
For this purpose, the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, chose Mr. Niang. A man of the inner circle, he has established himself as one of the most experienced figures in Senegalese diplomacy. Born on July 10, 1957, Niang has built a career spanning more than three decades at the heart of the greatest capitals and international bodies, embodying both excellence and a sense of public service.
A graduate of the National School of Administration and Magistracy in Dakar, he completed his studies with a DEA in English studies at the Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and then a master's degree in international relations and strategic studies at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. A polyglot, fluent in French and English, he also holds a diploma in interpreting from the University of Westminster.
His diplomatic career began in Senegal, where he headed the Africa Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before becoming Diplomatic Advisor to the President of the Republic (1995-2001). He quickly distinguished himself on the international scene: Minister-Counsellor at the Permanent Mission of Senegal to the UN and then Consul General in New York.
Between 2010 and 2018, Cheikh Niang held three ambassadorial posts in strategic countries: South Africa, the United States with responsibility for several Latin American countries, and then Japan (also accredited to six other countries in Asia and Oceania). These missions reinforced his image as a trusted man, capable of defending Senegal's interests in varied geopolitical contexts.
However, it was at the UN that Cheikh Niang made his mark on global diplomacy. As Senegal's Permanent Representative in New York from 2018 to 2025, he chaired key committees of the General Assembly and distinguished himself on sensitive issues, such as the defense of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, the reform of the Economic and Social Council, and the regulation of small arms. His election as chairman of the Second Committee (Economic and Financial) in 2019 confirmed his expertise and authority.
Beyond his duties, Niang has also established himself as a clear-eyed analyst of international developments. In early 2025, he highlighted the challenges of Donald Trump's return to the White House and called on Africa to strengthen its economic sovereignty, a discourse in line with Senegal's current priorities.
Appointed Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs on September 6, 2025, replacing Yassine Fall, Cheikh Niang brings to the government a detailed knowledge of diplomatic processes and international legitimacy acquired over an exceptional career. At 68, this career diplomat puts his experience to work toward one ambition: to raise the voice of Senegal and Africa on the world stage.
Commentaires (7)
Entièrement à sa place, en expérience et finesse diplomatique avérée . Monsieur le Ministre insister pour avoir des diplomates qui manient les langues :Chinoise ( urgence signalée deuxième voire première puissance mondiale aujourd'hui) , Arabe ( les pays du Golfe sont le centre du Monde des Affaires aujourd'hui) espagnol et Amérique du Sud et bien sûr anglais incontournable international. Les Diplomates et hommes d'État du Monde aiment bien leurs homologues qui maîtrisent leurs langues, ça met en confiance spontanée. On se rappelle de TRUMP qui était conquis devant le Président du Libéria pour son.... Anglais succulent. Bonne chance au service du Sénégal que tu vas toujours servi, Grand Cheikh !
Faut il être un homme du métier pour être un bon ministre ? L'histoire a révélé que le poste de ministre a toujours été un poste politique et les technochrates qui s'y ont aventuré ont tous brutalement échoué. Donc on observe.
Ton pessimisme te therapy pauvre mbifane
Toutes nos félicitations au chef de l'état et au chef du Gouvernement. Choix judicieux porté sur un homme du sérail. Oui la diplomatie sénégalaise a été une clé de voûte affirmant nos positiions courageuses sur tout ce qui touche aux relations humaines. Décidément, le legs regorge des brillants hommes sur la scène internationale : Me Doudou Thiam, Abdou Karim Gayre, Assane Seck, Moustapha Niasse, Djibo Kâ, Doyen Ibrahima Fall, Seydina Omar Sy, Me Madické Niang
Attention ! Depuis notre independance, l'expérience a montré que les meilleurs ministres des Affaires étrangères sont des non diplomates de carrière. Doudou Thiam, Jacques Niasse, Baudin, Gadio. Les hommes du sérail comme Moustapha Diagne ou Mankeur Ndiaye n'ont guère brillé. Espérons que le nouveau ministre dementira la coutume.
Vous racontez du n'importe quoi
Ca peut pas etre pire que celle qui vient de partir
Congratulations and best Niang baalo. L' homme qu 'il faut à la place qu'il faut
Gadio, un repris de justice
Felicitationsss Mais j'attends les résultats, n'oubliez Pas que sont des fonctionnaires, presque TOUS BOURGEOIS et CORROMPUS. C'est un ministére qui mérite bcp de tacte et de comprehensión. Mme Yacine Fall, tanto critiquée par les gens a OUVERT toutes les portes du monde Au gouvernement: Afrique, Arabie Saoudie, USA, Turquie, Emirat Árabes Unies et Chine.... Mes amis, il ne reste que l'Europe et apparemment, c'est le Gouvernement qui ne priorise Pas l'UE. Donc, Chers amis jugeant aux RESULTATS Bonne chance Au nouveau Ministre et Au peuple Sénégalais.
Excellent choix de Monsieur le Président de la République.
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