Cheikh Niang has been appointed Minister of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, replacing Yassine Fall. The appointment was made official on September 6, 2025.

Between 2018 and 2025, the latter represented Senegal at the United Nations in New York. During this term, the diplomat chaired several UN committees, co-facilitated the reform of the Economic and Social Council, and served as an expert on small arms tracing.

Before joining the UN, Niang held numerous diplomatic posts abroad. Assignments as Ambassador to Japan, the United States, South Africa, and several SADC member states enriched his career. Positions as Consul General in New York and Diplomatic Advisor to the President of Senegal complete this experience.

A graduate of the École nationale d’administration in Dakar and holder of a Master’s degree in international relations, the new Minister is fluent in French and English. In January 2025, the official emphasized the importance for Africa to strengthen its economic independence from major powers.

With more than thirty years of international experience, Niang brings to the Senegalese government solid expertise in developing African relations and strengthening multilateral and bilateral diplomacy.