Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been sworn-in on Tuesday as the youngest and 5th president in Senegal after emerging victorious with a 54.3 percent votes in a crucial election that promised reform.
The 44 year old president who has never held an elected office took over from the immediate past president Macky Sall in the presence of African leaders at an exhibition centre in the new town of Diamnaido near the capital Dakar.
Faye stated before the gathered officials and dignitaries “Before God and the Senegalese nation, I swear to faithfully fulfill the office of the president of the Republic of Senegal.
The president also pledged to diligently observe the laws stated in the constitution and defend the integrity of the constitution
He vowed to “scrupulously observe the provisions of the constitution and the laws and to defend the integrity of the territory and national independence, and to spare no effort to achieve African unity.”
The formal handover of power with the outgoing President Macky Sall will hold at the presidential. Palace in Dakar.
President Faye whose campaign started off while still in detention was among a group of political opponents released from prison 10 days before the presidential election on 24th March.
In his victory speech: National Reconciliation, Easing a Cost of Living and Fighting Corruption, the former tax inspector established his priorities. He will be working closely with a popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, who also gained freedom from detention along with the president.
The president also vowed to restore national sovereignty over key assets such as the oil, gas and fishing sector. He also promised to invest in Agriculture to ensure food stability.
Faye however reassured investors that Senegal will remain a friendly and dependable state to countries that cooperate with them
“Senegal will remain a friendly country and a sure and reliable partner that engages with us in virtuous, respectful and mutually productive cooperation.”
President Faye is a practicing Muslim from a small town; a man who is not afraid to declare his polygamous status. He has two wives and both were present during the handing over ceremony.
Before the election, he declared his assets to show transparency. A house in Dakar, land outside the capital and in his hometown. He also has about $6,600 in his account. The president also called on other candidates to so same.
