Senegal: Presidential Election Winner Aims for Reconciliation and Institution Rebuilding and Fighting Corruption
Basirou Dioumay Faye, whose historic first-round presidential election victory in Senegal caused a political earthquake, promised in a Monday speech that his country will remain "a safe and reliable ally" to its "respected" partners.
In his first speech following his groundbreaking first-round victory in Senegal's presidential election, Bassirou Diomaye Faye sought to reassure the country's "respected" partners that it would continue to be "a safe and reliable ally." He aimed to foster changes within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), emphasizing Senegal's stability compared to its neighbors and its role as a pillar within the organization, which has been shaken by military coups since 2020.
market in Ziguinchor, Senegal.Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for cooperation to strengthen ECOWAS's achievements while addressing weaknesses and changing strategies and political priorities. Domestically, Faye highlighted "national reconciliation and institution rebuilding" and "significant reduction in living costs" as his priorities, committing to govern with humility, transparency, and a focus on anti-corruption efforts. At 44, Faye, who has not previously held an elected national office, will become Senegal's fifth and youngest president. French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated Faye, expressing eagerness to work with him. France, Senegal's former colonizer and leading political and economic partner, hopes to maintain strong ties despite setbacks in the region, particularly in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, where it had to cut off military cooperation.