President Tinubu attends inauguration of new Senegal’s president

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria was among the top African leaders who witnessed the inauguration of the newly elected president of Senegal, Bassirou Faye.

Mr Tinubu, who is the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, had earlier announced his departure to Dakar, the capital of Senegal, via a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, titled ‘President Tinubu to attend the inauguration of Senegal’s President-elect Bassirou Faye.’

Tinubu is visiting the relatively peaceful West African country for the first time since assuming office at the invitation of the Senegalese government.

The President was accompanied on the trip by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and other senior government officials.

He is expected to return to Nigeria after the conclusion of the inauguration.

While congratulating Faye last week on his victory, the Nigerian leader said the successful elections in Senegal and Liberia had aided the ECOWAS campaign for democracy in the West African sub-region.

Tinubu, said, “President-elect Faye comes with great promise and a sterling record, wishing him success as he takes on this important job of leading the good people of Senegal.”

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.

Mr Faye pledged to rule Senegal with humility and fight corruption.

He has also promised to immediately address youth unemployment and the high cost of living that has taken a huge toll on the country.

The president-elect, a member of the Pastef party led by Ousmane Sonko, was recently released from jail before the vote.