IN a bold and unexpected move, the newly inaugurated President of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, wasted no time in making his mark on the nation’s political scene. On Tuesday, Faye appointed firebrand politician Ousmane Sonko as the country’s prime minister, marking his first official act since assuming office.
Sonko, a polarising figure known for his outspokenness and staunch opposition to former President Macky Sall, has garnered significant support among Senegal’s youth population. Despite being barred from participating in the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, Sonko remains a formidable force in Senegalese politics, vehemently denying any wrongdoing.
During the election campaign, Sonko and Faye joined forces under the rallying cry ‘Diomaye is Sonko,’ urging supporters to throw their weight behind Faye’s candidacy. This strategic alliance proved successful, with Faye securing a decisive victory, clinching over 54 percent of the vote in the first round of elections.
Following his inauguration, President Faye wasted no time in signalling his intent to shake up the political establishment by appointing Sonko as prime minister. In his first official statement since assuming office, Sonko expressed his commitment to working closely with Faye, pledging to present him with a comprehensive list of proposed ministerial appointments for approval.
‘There will be no question of leaving him [Faye] alone to assume this heavy responsibility,’ Sonko declared, emphasising his dedication to supporting the new president in navigating the challenges ahead.
The appointment of Sonko as prime minister represents a significant shift in Senegal’s political landscape, underscoring Faye’s determination to usher in a new era of governance marked by collaboration and youth representation. As the nation awaits further developments, all eyes remain firmly fixed on the dynamic duo at the helm of Senegal’s leadership.