Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal’s president-elect, started the month in a cell at Cap Manuel prison, Dakar. He was accused of defamation pertaining to a Facebook post that criticised the government and was expected to face a lengthy prison term. However, an amnesty law, following a détente between the ruling party and Faye’s opposition coalition, facilitated his release along with his political guide, Ousmane Sonko, on March 14th. They were welcomed warmly by their supporters in the capital.
Faye’s triumph, which placed him on track to be the youngest Senegalese president when he assumes office on April 2nd with 54 percent of the vote, is largely attributed to the disgruntlement of the youth, who encounter a roughly 20 percent rate of joblessness. According to Paul Melly from UK-based think-tank Chatham House, an expert on francophone Africa, the key challenge for Faye will be to meet the grand expectations, particularly of the young populace who seeks employment.
Previously, Faye was considered a contingency plan for the dissolved Pastef party, which he co-founded. This was in case the radical party leader, Sonko, who contends that his defamation conviction was politically influenced, was disqualified. Following the affirmation of Sonko’s disqualification in January, his team shared a pre-recorded 44-minute video where he supported his ‘younger brother’ Faye and urged the Senegalese to vote for him.
A devout Muslim and native of the village Ndiaganiao, located two hours east of Dakar, Faye maintains two wives, in accordance with local customs. Even though Faye’s prominence might not match Sonko’s, they share such a tight-knit relationship that one of Faye’s sons bears the name Ousmane.
Faye, the incumbent president of Senegal, lacks the executive leadership experience that Sonko, the mayor of Ziguinchor, possesses. Despite losing his debut political race in a municipal election in his home town, Faye rose to prominence through the national election, having never contested prior. The potential role of Sonko in Faye’s government is a point of curiosity for many Senegalese, with possibilities of him assuming the position of prime minister or foreign minister.
Faye’s administration has promised a humble leadership and an uncompromising stance against corruption. Among his planned initiatives include revisiting fishing ties, including those with the EU, and contracts within the country’s oil and gas sector, which is expected to commence crude oil pumping this year. However, his party has backtracked on the commitment to abandon the Euro-driven CFA currency, which is in circulation in eight West African nations.
In the wake of protests incited by the attempt of the former president, Macky Sall, to postpone the election by 10 months (an act labelled as a “constitutional coup” by opposition leaders attempting to prolong his term), Faye’s election emerged victorious. This delay was deemed illegal by the constitutional council, and Sall’s dictatorship-like actions further drove support towards Faye’s faction.
According to François Conradie from Oxford Economics Africa consultancy, Faye’s triumph is a win for democracy in Senegal. Although allies of the outgoing government cautioned against potential financial mismanagement by the incoming regime, Conradie said that Faye, formerly a tax inspector, is likely to follow a centrist approach.
Conradie predicted disappointment from the left, expecting more radical changes than Faye is likely to deliver. Some disillusionment has already been evident, as noted in Faye’s decision to deliver his inaugural presidential address in a suit, flouting the expected traditional attire.
A considerable number of Senegal’s alienated young voters viewed their support for Faye as a rejection of what they perceive as a disconnected political establishment. The annual economic growth of approximately 5% under Sall, investments in infrastructure, and the relative stability of the region have been overlooked due to the persistent joblessness.
Faye, a reserved figure unlike the charismatic Sonko, has historically been the brain behind their political alliance’s strategies. As the general secretary, Faye masterminded Pastef’s manifesto for the 2019 presidential race, where Sonko ended up in the third position. In Melly’s words, Faye understands the importance of adept governance.
As climate change wreak havoc on Senegal’s coastal communities, Faye’s political party – La Coalition Diomaye Président, an assembly of diverse opposition groups created post Pastef’s dissolution by the government, has pledged to establish a vice president’s position while curtailing the state’s head’s powers. This is in response to the furor caused by Sall’s attempt to procrastinate the election.
Faye found himself embroiled in a legal debacle following a Facebook post back in April 2023. He accused the government of trampling the judiciary in regard to Sonko’s legal troubles – an allegation Sonko refuted, and he subsequently acquitted, albeit found guilty of “corrupting the youth”. The government accused Faye of threatening state security, defamation, contempt of court, and activities that could jeopardize public peace in retaliation. The outcome of these accusations remains uncertain post the amnesty.
While campaigning, Faye hardly shied away from portraying himself as a stand-in for Sonko, who he met during their tenure at the government tax office. His Wolof slogan was reflective of this – “Diomaye mooy Sonko, Sonko mooy Diomaye”.
Sonko’s critical stance towards former colonial dominion, France, led to accusations of alleged attempts by Paris to sabotage his campaign, creating possible tensions. Nonetheless, Faye assured on Monday that Senegal would continue to be a cooperative and trusted ally to any partner committed to virtuous, respectful and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Adama Ndao, a transport worker who voted for Faye, expressed his confidence in their coalition’s ability to serve the nation’s interests. He asserted that Pastef had devised a plan to propel both Senegal and Africa towards development. – Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2024.
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