Senegal’s Youngest President; Bassirou Diomaye Sworn at Age 44

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, has been sworn in as Senegal’s youngest president after winning a first-round victory on a pledge of radical reform. The 44-year-old has never held an elected office before, but several African leaders attended the ceremony in the new town of Diamniadio, near the capital Dakar.

Faye was among a group of political opponents freed from prison 10 days before the March 24 presidential ballot under an amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall. In his victory speech, Faye declared his priorities to be national reconciliation, easing the cost-of-living crisis, and fighting corruption. He has also vowed to restore national sovereignty over key assets such as the oil, gas and fishing sectors, and wants to invest more in agriculture with the aim of reaching food self-sufficiency. 

Diomaye Faye, also known as “the honourable one” in the local Serer language, has won the election with 54.3% of the vote. The founder of the Pastef party, which was dissolved by the government in 2014, has made a remarkable comeback. As a practising Muslim from a humble background, Faye represents a new generation of youthful politicians. He has shown admiration for Barack Obama and Nelson Mandela, but the challenges he faces are significant. With no majority in the National Assembly, Faye will have to build alliances to pass new laws or call for a legislative election, an option that becomes available in November.