Senegalese President Faye Appoints Opposition Figure Sonko as Prime Minister

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, was inaugurated as Senegal’s youngest president on Tuesday, vowing to bring about significant changes following years of deadly unrest. Despite never having held an elected position before, Faye secured a first-round victory just 10 days after his release from prison.

The inauguration took place in Diamniadio, near Dakar, where Faye took the presidential oath in front of numerous officials and African leaders.

Upon his return to the capital, Faye was greeted by enthusiastic residents lining the streets leading to the presidential palace. His predecessor, Macky Sall, symbolically handed over the key to the presidential headquarters before departing.

Shortly after, Faye appointed opposition figure Ousmane Sonko as prime minister, who had been at the center of a two-year standoff with the state.

Faye’s administration aims to bring about systemic change and create a peaceful country with an independent judiciary and a strengthened democracy.

Faye’s campaign, in collaboration with his populist mentor Sonko, has outlined its main priorities, which include national reconciliation, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and combating corruption. Additionally, Faye has made a commitment to regain national control over crucial assets such as the oil, gas, and fishing sectors. Senegal is expected to commence hydrocarbon production later this year. Faye also aims to replace the CFA franc, which he views as a remnant of French colonialism, with a new regional currency. Furthermore, he intends to invest more in agriculture to achieve food self-sufficiency. After a period of political tension, Faye’s democratic victory has received international acclaim from Washington, Paris, the African Union, and the European Union.

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Faye’s aspirations extend beyond Senegal’s borders as he seeks to reintegrate military-led Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc. During a gathering in Diamniadio, Faye emphasized the need for greater solidarity among African nations in the face of security challenges. Representatives from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, including Guinean President General Mamady Doumbouya, attended the event. Captain Ibrahim Traore, the leader of Burkina Faso, expressed his belief that Faye’s presidency symbolizes a new era of freedom and sovereignty for Africa. He also expressed his willingness to collaborate on regional and international cooperation.

Faye, a practicing Muslim with a modest background, two wives, and four children, represents a new generation of youthful politicians. He has expressed admiration for former US President Barack Obama and South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela. However, Faye and his upcoming government will face significant challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is generating sufficient employment opportunities in a country where 75 percent of the population is unemployed.