In a historic ceremony held in the new town of Diamniadio, near Dakar, Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, aged 44 and a newcomer to elected office, took the oath of office as the nation’s President.
Despite his lack of prior political experience, the event drew attention from several African leaders who gathered to witness the occasion.
“Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of President of the Republic of Senegal,” Faye solemnly declared before the assembled dignitaries.
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He further pledged to uphold the Constitution, defend national integrity, and spare no effort in advancing African unity.
The formal transfer of power from outgoing President Macky Sall is scheduled to occur at the presidential palace in Dakar.
Faye’s journey to the presidency began with his release from prison, along with other political opponents, just 10 days before the March 24 presidential election under an amnesty decree issued by Sall. Remarkably, Faye launched his campaign while still in detention.
Now assuming the presidency, Faye, a former tax inspector, becomes Senegal’s fifth president since gaining independence from France in 1960. Notably, he openly acknowledges his polygamous marriage, a departure from his predecessors.
In his victory speech, Faye outlined his administration’s priorities, including national reconciliation, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and combating corruption. He aims to reclaim Senegal’s sovereignty over vital sectors like oil, gas, and fishing, and intends to shift away from the CFA franc, seen as a relic of French colonialism.
Faye’s domestic and international agenda also includes bolstering agricultural investment for food self-sufficiency and fostering cooperative partnerships while assuring investors of Senegal’s reliability.
His democratic victory, following years of tension and unrest, has been met with widespread acclaim, with endorsements from global leaders and organizations, including the United States, the African Union, and the European Union.
Faye is poised to play a pivotal role in regional diplomacy, seeking to reintegrate military-led Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) bloc.
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