Senegal’s president appoints air force chief in strategic shift

Dakar — President Bassirou Diomaye has appointed Air Brigade General Pape Cissé as the new Chief of Staff of Senegal’s Air Force, effective May 1, 2026. This high-level decision signals a pivotal moment in the nation’s defense strategy and air capabilities.

The decree formalizing the appointment highlights the government’s commitment to modernizing and strengthening Senegal’s aerial defense infrastructure. General Cissé assumes command from General Elhadj Niang, who led the Air Force since 2023, marking a transition in leadership.

Prior to this role, General Pape Cissé served as Commander of the Presidential Squadron, a position that underscored his deep involvement in national security operations. His extensive experience in aerial command positions him as a key figure in Senegal’s defense modernization efforts.

The appointment reflects President Bassirou Diomaye’s strategic vision for bolstering Senegal’s military readiness and operational efficiency in an evolving regional security landscape. The move is expected to enhance coordination between air and ground forces while reinforcing the nation’s aerial defense capabilities.