Senegalese-Born Sibeth Ndiaye Named Government Spokeswoman In France
Her appointment has been called "a strong endorsement of diversity" by President Macron, but some are skeptical.
In a series of cabinet changes made by France's President Emmanuel Macron ahead of the European Parliament elections, Senegalese-born media advisor Sibeth Ndiaye has been given the prestigious title of government spokeswoman.
Born in Dakar, 39-year-old Ndiaye is the first person of African-descent to hold the position. She became a French citizen in 2016 when working as communications advisor for Macron's presidential campaign, Yahoo News reports. Ndiaye comes from a family of politicians, her mother was president of Senegal's Constitutional Council.
Ndiaye has been dedicated to the president since, reportedly telling a French newspaper that she'd be "perfectly comfortable lying to protect the president," according to BBC Africa. Though she later denied making the statement, incidents such as these have made her a target for criticism in opposition circles.
