Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, on Tuesday was inaugurated as the youngest president in Senegal’s history. He committed to systemic reforms and named his political mentor, Ousmane Sonko, as the nation’s prime minister.
At 44, Faye has no prior experience in elected positions. His electoral triumph came swiftly, just ten days after his release from incarceration, propelled by his pledge for sweeping changes.
The presidential inauguration ceremony was held at Diamniadio’s exhibition center, attended by numerous dignitaries and African leaders, not far from the capital, Dakar.
Following the ceremony, Faye made his way back to Dakar. Crowds of cheering supporters lined the streets to welcome him as he proceeded to the presidential palace.
In a symbolic act, Macky Sall, the outgoing president, presented Faye with the keys to the presidential office before departing from the palace.
Faye declared, “Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of President of the Republic of Senegal.”
Shortly thereafter, the newly formed government appointed the prominent opposition figure Sonko as prime minister.
Oumar Samba Ba, the presidency’s general secretary, announced on national television, “Mr Ousmane Sonko is named prime minister.”
Sonko, aged 49, has been a pivotal figure in a two-year conflict with the government, which led to violent clashes.
Although barred from the latest presidential race, Sonko selected Faye as his proxy on the ballot.
Faye, now the fifth president since Senegal’s 1960 independence from France, is also the first to publicly acknowledge being in a polygamous marriage.
In his inaugural address, Faye acknowledged the electorate’s call for change, stating, “I am aware that the results of the ballot box express a profound desire for systemic change.”
He promised, “Under my leadership, Senegal will be a country of hope, a peaceful country with an independent judiciary and a strengthened democracy.”
Faye and Sonko were part of an opposition group released from prison shortly before the March 24 election, following an amnesty by the then-president Macky Sall.
Reflecting on the recent political strife, Faye remarked, “I have painful memories of the martyrs of Senegalese democracy, the amputees, the wounded and the former prisoners.”
He pledged to honor their sacrifices, saying, “I will always bear in mind the heavy sacrifices made in order never to disappoint you.”
Faye also assured international partners of Senegal’s commitment to equitable trade, emphasizing, “Senegal’s openness to trade that respects our sovereignty and meets the aspirations of our people, in a mutually beneficial partnership.”
Known affectionately as Diomaye, “the honourable one,” Faye secured the presidency with 54.3% of the vote, his platform of radical change resonating with the electorate.
Together with Sonko, Faye has outlined a governance plan focusing on national reconciliation, alleviating economic hardships, and combating corruption.
Moreover, he has pledged to reclaim national control over vital sectors, including oil, gas, and fisheries.
