Senegal: Samba Ndiaye Confirmation SN-HLM Décret 2026-1647 Ends Stalemate

• Samba Ndiaye was formally confirmed as President of the Board of Directors for SN-HLM on September 18, 2026, via presidential decree n°2026-1647.
• This confirmation by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye resolves a nearly two-year delay since Ndiaye's initial appointment on October 23, 2024.
• His earlier nomination faced opposition from Pastef, including Ousmane Sonko, who was dismissed as Prime Minister in May 2026 and has since been elected President of the National Assembly, according to Ndiaye.
• As the new chairman, Ndiaye is tasked with supporting efforts to democratize access to social housing in Senegal, following directives from the Head of State.
• Ndiaye, the former mayor of Ndoffane, stated that those who opposed his nomination have since been removed from their positions.

The formal confirmation of Samba Ndiaye to lead the board of the Société nationale des Habitations à Loyer modéré, nearly two years after his initial designation, marks a definitive resolution to a protracted leadership dispute within a critical public enterprise.

Samba Ndiaye has been officially confirmed as the President of the Board of Directors for the Société nationale des Habitations à Loyer modéré (SN-HLM), a pivotal entity in Senegal's social housing sector. The confirmation came on September 18, 2026, through a decree, specifically n°2026-1647, signed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. This presidential action brings an end to a protracted period of uncertainty surrounding the leadership of SN-HLM, nearly two years after Ndiaye's initial designation.

Ndiaye's journey to this formal installation began on October 23, 2024, when he was first appointed to the role, succeeding Moustapha Fall. Despite an announcement made during a Council of Ministers meeting at that time, his actual assumption of duties was stalled. The recent decree by President Faye now solidifies his position, enabling the former mayor of Ndoffane to finally take the helm of the board of directors for the national social housing company, as reported by exclusif.

The delay in Samba Ndiaye's installation was not without significant political friction. His initial nomination in 2024 sparked considerable opposition within Pastef, the political party, with several prominent officials publicly questioning the selection of the former municipal leader. Notably, Ousmane Sonko voiced his disapproval and publicly alluded to the need for "corrective measures" regarding the appointment.

Addressing the prolonged impasse, Samba Ndiaye emphasized that the authority to make such appointments ultimately rests with the President of the Republic, falling under presidential discretionary powers. He further clarified the altered political landscape, stating that Ousmane Sonko, who was dismissed as Prime Minister in May 2026, has since been elected President of the National Assembly, thereby leaving the final decision on his appointment to the Head of State. Ndiaye, speaking on RFM, succinctly summarized the shift in power dynamics, remarking that "Those who decried my nomination have been dismissed," indicating a clear resolution to the internal party dissent. Despite the nearly two-year wait, Ndiaye maintained that he had no cause for complaint during this period of anticipation.

With his confirmation, Samba Ndiaye is now poised to steer the Société nationale des Habitations à Loyer modéré towards its core mission. A primary directive from the Head of State mandates him to collaborate closely with the general management to enhance and democratize access to social housing across Senegal. This focus aligns with broader national objectives to address housing needs, particularly for low-income populations.

The formal confirmation of Samba Ndiaye to lead the board of the Société nationale des Habitations à Loyer modéré, nearly two years after his initial designation, marks a definitive resolution to a protracted leadership dispute within a critical public enterprise. This development signals a renewed impetus for the SN-HLM to fulfill its mandate, potentially influencing future policy and regulatory developments in the sector of social housing and public sector governance in Senegal.

Lawyers advising on public sector governance, real estate, or social housing in Senegal should note the formal confirmation of SN-HLM's leadership by presidential decree. This signals stability and a renewed focus on social housing access, potentially influencing future policy and regulatory developments in the sector.

Source: Original reporting via exclusif.