Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye Takes Oath Of Office

President Bassirou Diomaye

FOLLOWING his transition from prison to the presidency over the previous few weeks, Bassirou Diomaye Faye took office as Senegal's new president on Tuesday, April 2.

As part of a political amnesty declared by departing President Macky Sall, he was released together with well-known opposition politician Ousmane Sonko.

With his electoral victory, Faye has assumed his first elected position.

In a region where political upheaval and coups are common, Senegal's standing as a stable democracy in West Africa was put to the test by this election.

Fears that President Sall might try to overrule the constitution and the repercussions of Sonko and Faye's incarceration from the previous year contributed to the instability that preceded the election.

Faye ran for office on platforms pledging to fight corruption and improve the nation's natural resource management.

The youth's frustrations, stemming from high unemployment rates, are reflected in his triumph.

Faye promised to emphasize the battle against corruption and seek economic reforms in his inaugural address.

He comes from a tiny town and was a practicing Muslim in the past. He is known to have two wives, both of whom were present at the inauguration.

He showed openness before the election by revealing his assets, which included houses and bank accounts worth about $6,600.

Sonko's endorsement was a major factor in Faye's climb to prominence, but it's unclear what exactly Sonko will do in the incoming administration, even though he is likely to have a big say.

Considering the difficulties, Faye's inauguration represents a pivotal point in Senegal's political history.