Emerging victorious in Senegal's presidential election, Bassirou Diomaye Faye assured on Monday, March 26, that his country would remain the "sure and reliable ally" of all foreign partners who are "respectful," during his first public appearance since the announcement of his historic victory.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who turned 44 on the day of his first appearance as the elected president, will become the fifth and youngest president of this West African nation of 18 million people. His main opponent conceded victory right after the first round of the presidential election.
"I want to say to the international community, to our bilateral and multilateral partners, that Senegal will always maintain its standing, remaining the friendly country and the sure and reliable ally of any partner who enters into virtuous, respectful, and mutually productive cooperation with us," said Diomaye Bassirou Faye in his first statement as an elected president.
Addressing Senegal's continental partners, he added, "I call upon our African brothers and sisters to together strengthen the achievements made in the process of building ECOWAS integration, while also correcting weaknesses and changing certain methods, strategies, and political priorities. I will carry out similar actions with the same dedication to the unity and political and economic integration of the continent."
Domestically, Faye indicated that his "priority projects" would be "national reconciliation," the "rebuilding of institutions," and "significantly reducing the cost of living."
"This election occurred in a context marked by a pre-electoral crisis that has cost lives, resulted in numerous injuries, and seen many patriots imprisoned," he recalled before assuring that he intends to turn the page "to reconcile hearts, to reconcile the Senegalese, and to tirelessly embark on the work that will mark and realize the hope that has been aroused by my election and the project I carry."
He also pledged "to govern with humility, in transparency, and to combat corruption at all levels."
Before praising the Senegalese people's commitment to democracy, justice, and equality, Bassirou Diomaye Faye spoke of the outgoing president in his first speech: "I salute the stance of President Macky Sall, whose vigilance and commitment have ensured a free, democratic, and transparent vote, thus ensuring a result recognized by all stakeholders."
In twelve universal suffrage presidential elections, this is the first time an opposition candidate has won in the first round.
Faye presents himself as the "candidate for system change" and of a "left-wing pan-Africanism." His program focuses on restoring national "sovereignty." He has promised to fight corruption, to distribute wealth more equitably, and has committed to renegotiating mining, gas, and oil contracts with foreign companies.
Senegal might start producing gas and oil by 2024.
