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He is often considered a close confidant of the opposition figure and his mentor Ousmane Sonko. His somewhat smooth election has testified to Senegal’s reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa
Senegal inaugurated Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its new president. It is a dramatic ascent for the little-known Faye, who earlier served as a tax inspector. He is often considered a close confidant of the opposition figure and his mentor Ousmane Sonko. His somewhat smooth election has testified to Senegal’s reputation as a stable democracy in West Africa.
Before the election, the region experienced coups and attempted coups that resulted in months of unrest ignited by the arrests last year of Sonko and Faye. There was a concern that former president Macky Sall might continue for a third term. There was internal pressure on him to hold the elections in time, besides widespread demonstrations within the country.
Faye, 44, campaigned on promises to clean up corruption and better manage the country’s natural resources. His victory was seen as reflecting the will of young people agitated over widespread unemployment. There is also a perception that its former colonial ruler France, using its clout to enrich itself. In his inaugural speech as president-elect, Faye promised to fight corruption and reform the economy. He also promised a reformed agenda that has to be chased to realize the potential of the West African country.
A practicing Muslim from a small town, Faye has two wives, both of whom were present at the swearing-in ceremony. Ahead of the election, he released a declaration of his assets to show transparency and called on other candidates to do the same. It listed a home in Dakar and land outside the capital and in his hometown. His bank accounts aggregated roughly US$6,600.
The new president was little known until Sonko, a popular opposition figure who came third in the previous election in 2019, named him to run in his place after being barred from the election for a prior conviction. While Sonko’s future role in the new administration is unclear, he is expected to have a prominent role.
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Although Sall ruled out running for a third term, he abruptly postponed the election in February with only weeks to go, triggering a wave of protests. That move was blocked by the country’s constitutional court and the election was eventually held weeks later in March.
