Senegal has inaugurated Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its president, marking the culmination of his rapid rise from obscurity to the pinnacle of power when the president is known to have served a jail term.
Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, took the oath of office on Tuesday, following his landslide victory in the March 24 elections, where he campaigned on a platform of reform.
At just 44 years old, he becomes the youngest president in Senegal’s history, signaling a new era in the country’s leadership.
President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye Remarked
Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfil the office of president of the Republic of Senegal,”
I promised to scrupulously observe the provisions of the constitution and the laws” and defend “the integrity of the territory and national independence and to spare no effort to achieve African unity”. He said in Diamniadio, near the capital, Dakar.
Faye’s journey to the presidency was characterized by unexpected twists, including his recent release from prison mere days before the election. Alongside his mentor, popular opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, Faye benefited from a political amnesty announced by the outgoing president, Macky Sall.
This move paved the way for Faye’s participation in the electoral process and ultimately led to his historic victory.
Taking his oath in Diamniadio, near the capital city Dakar, Faye pledged his commitment to serve the Senegalese people and uphold the constitution.
He vowed to adhere to the laws of the land, protect the nation’s territorial integrity, and champion African unity. Faye’s solemn oath underscores his determination to lead with integrity and dedication, setting a promising tone for his tenure as president.
President Faye faces high expectations to deliver on his promises of reform and unity as Senegal’s youngest leader. His victory has been a resounding triumph after he grappled with enmity and had to even serve a jail term.
