Bassirou Diomaye Faye Sworn In As President Of Senegal

Bassirou Diomaye Faye is officially the President of Senegal after he was sworn into power on April 2, 2024.

A pledge of radical reforms to Senegalese citizens saw him record a landslide win in the first round of the presidential election conducted on March 24, 2024, just 10 days after his release from prison.

African leaders such as President Bola Tinubu attended the inauguration, which marked a landmark in Senegalese democracy.

Related: Social Media Banned In Senegal As Protests Continue Over Election Postponement

Faye becomes the youngest president in Africa at the age of 44, with huge responsibilities for fixing the economy.

“Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfill the office of President of the Republic of Senegal,” Faye vowed during the inauguration ceremony.

The former tax inspector also vowed to “scrupulously observe the provisions of the Constitution and the laws” and promised to defend “the integrity of the territory and national independence, and to spare no effort to achieve African unity.” 

President Macky Sall’s 12-year reign in the West African nation comes to an end.

It will be recalled that Sall’s bid to delay the election caused civil unrest in the country until he decided to meet the demands of the citizens.

Faye was among a list of political opponents freed from prison by Macky Sall 10 days before the election as the ruling coalition sought means to win popularity among citizens.

Following his inauguration, Faye becomes the fifth president of Senegal since the country gained political independence from France in 1960.