Supporters of Bassirou Diomaye Faye gathered at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center in Diamniadio, near Dakar, in anticipation of his inauguration as Senegal’s fifth president.
Faye’s election followed former President Macky Sall’s attempt to postpone elections in February, which triggered violent protests in Dakar. The Senegalese Constitutional Court compelled Sall to hold elections, which took place on March 24.
Seynabou Diop, a Senegalese citizen who lost her son during the protests, expressed hope for the new administration, seeking closure and justice for the lives lost. Faye, at 44 years old, is now the youngest democratically elected president in Africa and Senegal’s youngest president ever.
He enjoys significant support among the country’s youth, who perceive him as a departure from the established political class that seemed disconnected from their aspirations.
Oumar Sakho, another supporter attending the inauguration, welcomed the dawn of a new era in Senegal, emphasizing the anticipation among the youth. While analysts anticipated a runoff election if no candidate secured over 50% of the vote, Faye’s unexpected victory in the first round, with 54% of the votes, marked a significant turn of events.
Mayébé Mbaye, speaking outside the conference center, remarked on the unprecedented nature of Faye’s win without contestation or appeal, highlighting the exceptional circumstances. With Macky Sall’s term ending on April 2, the inauguration had to occur promptly, less than two weeks after the presidential election.
