Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the newly inaugurated President of Senegal, appointed Ousmane Sonko, a prominent political figure and his key supporter, as prime minister on Tuesday, marking his first official act in office. Sonko, a vocal critic of Senegal’s former President Macky Sall and a favorite among the country’s youth, faced exclusion from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, which he has consistently denied.
The alliance between Sonko and Faye was highlighted during the election campaign under the joint slogan “Diomaye is Sonko.” This partnership was instrumental in Faye’s election victory, where he garnered over 54% of the vote in the first round, leading to his subsequent inauguration.
Upon his appointment, Sonko pledged to collaborate closely with President Faye in governing the country, promising to propose a comprehensive list of ministers for Faye’s approval. Sonko’s commitment to not leaving President Faye to navigate the challenges of leadership alone underscores the collaborative spirit expected to define their administration. This political move is seen as a strategic effort to harness the widespread support Sonko enjoys among the youth and to ensure a united front as the new government begins its term, signaling a significant shift in Senegal’s political landscape and a new direction under President Faye’s leadership.