From Prison to Palace: Senegal Swears in Bassirou Diomaye Faye within Weeks as Africa’s Youngest Elected President

By Abdul Rahman Bangura-

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone– Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the general elections in Senegal, along with popular opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, marshalling a political amnesty declared by outgoing President Macky Sall. The arrests of both Sonko and Faye raised eyebrows months of protests and concerns that Sall would seek a third term in office irrespective of term limits. Rights groups said dozens were killed and about 1,000 were jailed.

In his maiden speech as President of Senegal, Faye recalled those killed and arrested during the protests and promised to deliver greater sovereignty for Senegal while working to build prosperity.

“I am aware that the results of the elections express a profound desire for systemic change,” he said.

This is the first elected office for Faye, an erstwhile tax inspector. His rise to the height of fame, has reflected widespread frustration amongst Senegal’s youth with the nation’s direction – a common sentiment across Africa, which has the world’s youngest population and a retinue of leaders widely accused of holding to power for decades.

“It’s the culmination of a long struggle for democracy and the rule of law,” said Aissata Sagna, a 39-year-old factory worker who worked on Faye’s campaign.

“This is a day of celebration for us, even if we have lost young people killed during the demonstrations.”

Unemployment rates are high. The war in Ukraine has enabled to drive up the price of food and energy. Like residents of other former French colonies, Senegalese are increasingly disaffected with France, often accused of exploiting its longstanding ties with West Africa.

Faye campaigned on promises to curb corruption. Ahead of the election, he released a declaration of his assets and called on other candidates to do same.

It listed a home in Dakar and land outside the capital and in his small hometown. His bank accounts totaled roughly $6,600. A practicing Muslim, Faye has two wives, both of whom were present on Tuesday’s inauguration.

“I think the first challenge is the formation of his administration,” said Alioune Tine – Founder of the Senegalese think tank Afrikajom Centre.

“This will be the first concrete message he sends to the Senegalese people. The size, diversity and profiles will be analyzed with a fine-tooth comb to see if they meet the demand for a break with the past.”

Allies are watching Faye’s economic policies in alliance with his promise to navigate the management of natural resources. Senegal has made fresh oil and gas discoveries in recent years, but the population has yet to see any actual dividend. Analysts warn, thus, that renegotiating deals could turn investors off.

President Faye was little known until Sonko – a popular opposition figure who came third in the past election in 2019, named him to run in his place after being disqualified from the election for a prior conviction.

Faye was arrested for alleged defamation in 2023, while Sonko faced a number of charges, encircling a prolonged legal battle that started when he was accused of rape in 2021. He was acquitted of the rape charges but was convicted of corrupting youth and sentenced to two years in prison last year. Sonko’s supporters say his legal troubles were part of a government effort to derail his candidacy.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports, Africa Correspondent