Aminata Touré

Aminata Touré: Senegalese Politician and Former Prime Minister

Aminata Touré is a Senegalese politician who served as the Prime Minister of Senegal from 2013 to 2014. She is the first woman to hold this position in Senegal. Touré is a member of the Alliance for the Republic (APR) party, which is led by President Macky Sall.

Early Life and Education

Aminata Touré was born on October 12, 1962, in Dakar, Senegal. Her father was a diplomat and her mother was a teacher. Touré attended the University of Dakar, where she studied law and economics. After graduating, she worked as a lawyer and then as a consultant for the World Bank.

Political Career

In 2007, Touré was elected to the National Assembly of Senegal. She served as a member of the parliament until 2013, when she was appointed Prime Minister by President Macky Sall. As Prime Minister, Touré oversaw the implementation of a number of economic and social reforms, including the creation of a new public health insurance program and the expansion of access to education. She also played a key role in negotiating a peace deal with the separatist Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance (MFDC).

In 2014, Touré resigned as Prime Minister after being accused of corruption. The allegations were never proven, but they damaged her reputation and led to her resignation.

Post-Political Career

After leaving office, Touré worked as a visiting scholar at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. She also served as a member of the African Union's High-Level Panel on Financing Infrastructure Development in Africa. In 2018, she was appointed as the Secretary-General of the Francophonie, an international organization of French-speaking countries.

Awards and Recognition

Aminata Touré has received numerous awards and recognition for her work in government and public service. In 2013, she was named one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World by Time magazine. She has also been awarded the Legion of Honor by the French government and the Order of the Lion by the Senegalese government.

Personal Life

Aminata Touré is married to Moustapha Diop, a Senegalese businessman. They have two children. Touré is a Muslim.

Legacy

Aminata Touré is a trailblazing politician who has broken down barriers for women in Senegal and across Africa. She is a strong advocate for democracy, good governance, and economic development. Touré is a role model for young women and girls, and her story is an inspiration to people all over the world.