Africa’s youngest President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, gained international attention last March when, fresh out of prison, he was elected President of Senegal in just 10 days.
With many African countries led by aging presidents, Diomaye Faye stands out as a leader with fresh aspirations for Africa’s young and fast-growing population.
Since his election, he has not granted any public interviews until recently with the New York Times.
In the interview last week, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye called for a new world order that would give Africa a greater influence.
Before travelling to the United Nations General Assembly in New York, he emphasised the need for a reformed world system and equality among nations.
During the UN General Assembly, Bassirou pointed out that Africa’s demographic growth would make it a major player on the world stage.
Africa’s Shifting Demographics
Africa’s population is expected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, accounting for one in every four people on Earth.
He made these remarks amidst growing calls for Africa to have a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The UN has promised two permanent seats for African nations. But this is unlikely to happen soon due to other nations competing for the same positions.
Additionally, any change requires approval from the five permanent Security Council members, who hold veto power.
President Faye criticised the current world order, saying it harms African countries. He highlighted the unfairness of Africa bearing the negative effects of climate change when it contributes so little to global emissions.
He pointed to the Senegalese town of Bargny, whose coastal erosion as a result of rising sea levels has been severely detrimental. Dozens of homes in the area were recently swept away.
He also condemned the hypocrisy of wealthy nations that continue to use coal while refusing to fund fossil fuel projects in developing countries.
Senegal has recently begun offshore oil production and is working to develop the infrastructure needed to convert its gas into electricity.
President Faye gave this interview from Dakar’s presidential palace, a symbol of power adorned with red carpets and gold lions.
However, he has largely removed the outdated furniture that Macky Sall left behind, giving the office a more austere appearance.
Swift Rise To Power
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was born on March 25, 1980, in Ndiaganiao, Senegal.
He comes from a noble family and had a traditional village upbringing.
He earned his master’s degree in law from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and later became a tax inspector.
His journey to the presidency was unusual. Bassirou spent much of the election period in jail, awaiting trial on defamation charges and contempt of court.
He was chosen for the presidential ticket by opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, who was also jailed and barred from running.
Thousands celebrated When former President Sall released both men just 10 days before the election.
Faye won more than 50 percent of the vote in the first round, defeating Sall’s chosen successor and avoiding a runoff.
Challenges Facing Young Africans
At 44, he believes he has a unique understanding of the challenges young Africans face.
He emphasized that their main desire is to be useful to themselves, their families, and their country.
“We have to provide answers for our young people so they don’t fall into permanent despair,” he said. He further warned that despair could fuel recruitment by both migrant traffickers and jihadist groups.
Outside the presidential palace is the Atlantic Ocean, that reminds the nation of the thousands of young Senegalese who have lost their lives trying to reach Europe in boats.
Economists like Ndongo Samba Sylla anticipate that President Faye will address issues like the high cost of living and youth unemployment. They, however, worry that the high levels of debt he inherited from previous administrations may limit his efforts.
Struggling to pass key proposals through an opposition-controlled Parliament, Bassirou has called for a snap parliamentary election in November.
He acknowledged that the people who elected him with “immense hope” would judge him on his ability to improve their lives.
“In a country like Senegal, everything is a priority, and everything is urgent,” he said.
