On April 5, 2024, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye appointed Cheikh Niang as Minister of Foreign Affairs and African Integration, marking a turning point in Senegalese diplomacy. As a former Senegalese ambassador to the United Nations, Niang brings a wealth of international experience to this strategic position.

Cheikh Niang is a graduate of the National School of Administration and Magistracy of Senegal. He joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1993, where he climbed the ranks to become an ambassador. From November 2014 to July 2018, he served as Senegal’s ambassador to Japan, with accreditation to Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore. In July 2018, he became the Permanent Representative of Senegal to the United Nations in New York, a position he held until his appointment to the government.

A committed diplomat on the international stage

At the UN, Cheikh Niang chaired the Second Committee, responsible for economic and financial issues, and was a key player in negotiations on development financing and multilateral system reform. He was also a staunch advocate for African interests, advocating for increased representation of the continent in international institutions.

His appointment to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and African Integration is seen as a return to Senegal’s diplomatic roots. With his experience at the UN and in-depth knowledge of international issues, Cheikh Niang is called upon to strengthen Senegal’s role on the world stage, particularly in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.