French President Emmanuel Macron and other world leaders have extended their congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the President-elect of Senegal, following his victory in Sunday’s presidential election.
Although Faye advocated for radical change and greater sovereignty from Western influence, Macron took to X, formerly Twitter, to wish him a successful tenure.
“Congratulations to Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as President of the Republic of Senegal. I wish him every success and look forward to working with him,” President Macron tweeted.
Faye’s victory marks a significant shift in Senegalese foreign policy.
His campaign policies suggested a departure from the status quo and a desire for greater autonomy from foreign powers, particularly France, which has historically maintained a strong presence in its former colonies in Africa.
The outgoing president, Macky Sall, who is expected to transfer power on April 2, had cultivated a good working relationship with Macron during his tenure.
However, Faye’s victory suggests a potential reevaluation of Senegal’s foreign relations and a recalibration of its approach to international partnerships.
In addition to Macron’s congratulatory message, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia also lauded Faye’s election victory, commending the Senegalese people for the peaceful conduct of the election process.
“I congratulate Mr. Bassirou Diomaye Faye for a victorious election & commend the people of the Rep. of #Senegal for the peaceful conduct of the election. I am optimistic that the cordial relationship between The #Gambia and Senegal will be further strengthened President-Elect,” he wrote on X.
The Gambia and Senegal share a complex history, having once been united as one country before parting ways.
In his acceptance speech, President-elect Faye emphasised the significance of the election as a victory for Senegalese sovereignty and democratic values.
The 44-year-old pledged to govern with humility, transparency, and a commitment to combating corruption at all levels of government.
“The holding of the presidential election that we have just experienced above all marks the victory of the Senegalese people in the fight for the defence of its sovereignty and democratic values,” Faye said.
“This victory is therefore that of all Senegalese women and all Senegalese here and in the diaspora. I salute the posture of the other candidates, who, without exception, honoured a very Senegalese tradition, without even waiting for the proclamation of the official results by the authorised authorities of the state.
“To give substance to the immense hope aroused by our social project and to give substance to its aspirations, I am committed to governing with humility, with transparency, and to fighting corruption at all levels. I would like to tell the international community, our bilateral and multilateral partners, that Senegal will always hold its place. It will remain a friendly country and a safe and reliable ally for any partner who engages with us in virtuous and respectful cooperation.”
Faye outlined key priorities for his administration, including national reconciliation, institutional reform, reducing the cost of living, and conducting inclusive consultations to evaluate and revitalize public policies.
The election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye represents a new chapter in Senegal’s political landscape, characterised by a mandate for change and a renewed focus on national interests.
It has solidified the country’s status as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.
