From prison to palace: Senegal swears in Bassirou Diomaye Faye as new president  

Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been officially sworn in as the new president of Senegal on Tuesday, following his dramatic ascent from prison to the palace in recent weeks.

Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the March 24 election, along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall.

Faye, 44, campaigned on promises to clean up corruption and better manage the country’s natural resources. His victory was seen as reflecting the will of young people frustrated with widespread unemployment and former colonial ruler France, seen by critics to be using its relationship with Senegal to enrich itself.

In his first speech as president-elect, Faye promised to fight corruption and reform the economy.

A practising Muslim from a small town, Faye has two wives, both of whom were present on Tuesday. Ahead of the election, he released a declaration of his assets to show transparency and called on other candidates to do the same.

It listed a home in Dakar and land outside the capital and in his hometown. His bank accounts totalled roughly $6,600.

Little was known about the new president until Sonko, a prominent opposition candidate who finished third in the previous election in 2019, nominated him to fill the office.

Sonko had previously been disqualified from the race due to a prior conviction. Although Sonko’s exact position in the incoming administration is unknown, he is anticipated to play a significant one.

Faye was arrested for alleged defamation last year, while Sonko faced several charges, including a prolonged legal battle that started when he was accused of rape in 2021.

Recall that Senegal’s Constitutional Council has officially confirmed the presidential election victory of opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

The top court validated the provisional results after collations from all polling stations across the country.

Mr Faye emerged victorious in the delayed election with more than 54% of votes as he defeated ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba, who had over 35% to his credit.