Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a passionate advocate for pan-Africanism and a member of the left-wing, has been officially sworn in as the youngest president of Senegal.
Following a resounding victory in the first round of elections, Faye, who had recently been released from prison, garnered support with his promise of radical reforms. The inauguration ceremony held in the newly developed town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar, was attended by several African leaders.
In his solemn oath-taking, Faye pledged his unwavering commitment to the responsibilities of the President of the Republic of Senegal, vowing to uphold the constitution, observe the laws, defend national integrity, and strive for African unity. The official transfer of power from outgoing President Macky Sall will occur at the presidential palace in Dakar.
Faye, a 44-year-old former tax inspector, is taking on his first elected role as the fifth president of Senegal since gaining independence from France in 1960. Notably, he is the first president to openly acknowledge his polygamous marriage. Collaborating closely with his populist mentor Ousmane Sonko, who was prevented from participating in the election, Faye outlined their shared priorities in his victory speech, emphasizing national reconciliation, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and combating corruption.
One of Faye’s key objectives is reclaiming national sovereignty over vital sectors such as oil, gas, and fishing, which he perceives as essential assets for the country. Additionally, he aims to move away from the CFA franc, viewing it as a remnant of French colonialism, and instead focus on agricultural development to achieve food self-sufficiency. However, Faye is also keen on assuring investors that Senegal will maintain a friendly and reliable partnership, promoting mutually beneficial cooperation.
Celebrations of Faye’s democratic triumph have reverberated from Washington to Paris, with recognition from the African Union, the European Union, and other international entities. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently spoke with the president-elect, underscoring the United States’ strong interest in strengthening bilateral relations.
On the global stage, Faye seeks to reintegrate military-run Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the Economic Community of West African States bloc. Widely known as “Diomaye,” a term connoting honor and respect in the local Serer language, Faye secured his victory with 54.3 percent of the votes. This achievement is particularly remarkable considering that his party, Pastef, which he co-founded with Sonko in 2014, had been dissolved by the government, and the election was postponed by President Sall.
Faye, a devout Muslim hailing from a modest background, is a representative of the emerging generation of young politicians. He has expressed admiration for former US President Barack Obama and South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. However, Faye and his yet-to-be-formed government will face immediate and significant challenges. Without a majority in the National Assembly, he will need to forge alliances to enact new legislation or potentially consider a legislative election starting in mid-November.
The most pressing issue will be generating sufficient employment opportunities in a nation where 75 percent of the 18-million population is under the age of 35, and the official unemployment rate stands at 20 percent. The bleak prospects for the future have driven many young Senegalese to risk their lives as they attempt to migrate to Europe.
Meanwhile, former President Sall has been appointed as a special envoy of the Paris Pact for People and Planet, an initiative aimed at combating poverty, safeguarding the environment, and supporting vulnerable nations.