Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a prominent left-wing pan-Africanist, took the oath of office on Tuesday, becoming Senegal’s youngest president following a landslide victory in the first round of elections. His ascent to power comes just 10 days after his release from imprisonment, marking a swift turnaround in his political fortunes.
At 44, Faye assumes the presidency without any prior experience in elected positions. Nonetheless, his inauguration ceremony in Diamniadio, near Dakar, saw the presence of several African leaders, signaling the significance of his victory.
In his solemn pledge before the nation and the divine, Faye vowed to uphold the responsibilities of the presidency with integrity, pledging allegiance to the constitution, and committing to safeguarding Senegal’s territorial integrity and national independence. He also emphasized his dedication to fostering African unity.
The official transfer of power from outgoing President Macky Sall will occur at the presidential palace in Dakar, symbolizing the peaceful transition of authority.
Faye’s journey to the presidency began amidst adversity, as he was among the political dissidents granted amnesty by Sall merely days before the election, despite Sall’s attempts to postpone the vote. Remarkably, Faye launched his campaign while still incarcerated, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his political vision.
As the fifth president of Senegal since independence, Faye brings a fresh perspective to governance, openly acknowledging his polygamous marital status. Collaborating closely with his populist ally, Ousmane Sonko, albeit Sonko’s exclusion from the election, Faye outlined his administration’s priorities in his victory speech, focusing on national reconciliation, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and combating corruption.
A staunch advocate for national sovereignty, Faye intends to reclaim control over vital sectors such as oil, gas, and fishing, viewing foreign influence as remnants of colonialism. Additionally, he aims to transition away from the CFA franc, perceiving it as a vestige of French colonial rule, and prioritize agricultural investment to achieve food self-sufficiency.
While asserting Senegal’s sovereignty, Faye reassured potential investors of the country’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Amidst three years of internal tension and unrest, his democratic victory garnered widespread acclaim from global actors, including the United States, the African Union, and the European Union.
In a diplomatic gesture, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed keen interest in strengthening bilateral ties during a phone call with Faye, underscoring the importance of cooperation between their nations.
Internationally, Faye aims to integrate military-led nations like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), seeking to foster regional stability and cooperation.
