Senegal's New President: Charismatic 'Diomaye' Promises Radical Change

Propelled to power from humble beginnings, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Senegal's president-elect, defied expectations by promising radical change. Guided by mentor Ousmane Sonko, Faye, known as "the honorable one," won the March 24 presidential election with 54.3% of the vote. His anti-establishment message and modest demeanor led to his decisive victory, elevating him to become Senegal's fifth and youngest president since independence.

Senegal's New President: A Charismatic Change Agent from Humble Roots

Propelled to power despite never holding national elected office, Senegal's President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye has defied expectations by promising radical change and harnessing the support of a charismatic mentor.

Known affectionately as "Diomaye," meaning "the honorable one" in his native Serer language, Faye emerged victorious in the March 24 presidential election with a commanding 54.3 percent of the vote, a mere 10 days after his release from prison.

His anti-establishment rhetoric, the endorsement of opposition figurehead Ousmane Sonko, and his humble persona propelled him to a landslide first-round victory over the candidate backed by the governing coalition.

Upon his inauguration on Tuesday, the 44-year-old Faye will become Senegal's fifth and youngest president since gaining independence from France in 1960.

In his victory speech, delivered in both French and Wolof, Faye outlined his priorities as "national reconciliation," alleviating the crippling cost-of-living crisis, and combating corruption.

He has pledged to pursue left-wing pan-Africanism, seeking to restore national sovereignty that he alleges has been squandered, with the oil, gas, and fishing sectors under his scrutiny.

Faye envisions a new national currency independent of the CFA franc and plans significant investments in agriculture and industry to tackle unemployment, which officially hovers around 20 percent.

On the international stage, Faye aims to reintegrate military-ruled Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger into the regional bloc ECOWAS (The Economic Community of West African States) and recalibrate partnerships for mutual benefit.

Sonko's Plan B

The former tax inspector has risen to prominence under the shadow of the popular but legally embattled Sonko, who endorsed Faye after being barred from running for president himself.

Sonko, who placed third in the 2019 presidential election and has been embroiled in a protracted legal battle with the state, anointed Faye as his successor after his disqualification, and his plan has borne fruit.

Together, they founded the Pastef political party in 2014, which authorities dissolved last year.

Released from prison on March 14 under an amnesty, the allies embarked on a whirlwind campaign tour to the delight of massive crowds, who chanted "Sonko mooy Diomaye, Diomaye mooy Sonko," or "Sonko is Diomaye, Diomaye is Sonko."

"They are two sides of the same coin, just with different styles," said Moustapha Sarr, a trainer of former Pastef activists.

MMA, Reggae, and Humility

Hailing from a modest rural background, Faye, a practicing Muslim with two wives and a penchant for wide-sleeved boubou robes, embodies a new breed of Senegalese politicians.

Born into a humble farming family in the remote village of Ndiaganiao, 150 kilometers from the capital, Dakar, Faye's childhood was marked by a lack of basic infrastructure like health centers and paved roads.

Faye left his rural upbringing to study at Dakar's prestigious National Administration School but has maintained close ties with his village.

"Diomaye was a little shepherd who watched over his goats in the fields," said Mor Sarr, one of his closest friends.

Faye "has always been very close to his mother, Khady Diouf," helping her with household chores, Sarr added.

An admirer of former US President Barack Obama and South African anti-apartheid icon Nelson Mandela, Faye also indulges in psychology books and reveres French soccer legend Zinedine Zidane, according to Sarr.

Mixed martial arts, swimming, and reggae music are among his passions, Sarr revealed. He is also an ardent supporter of Spanish soccer giants Real Madrid.

Diomaye Faye, the future president's uncle, described his nephew as "a good boy" who is mindful of his behavior and will remain grounded in the reality of the country.

As Bassirou Diomaye Faye prepares to assume the mantle of leadership, his ascent from humble origins and his commitment to sweeping changes have instilled hope and anticipation among the Senegalese people. His ability to navigate the challenges ahead, both domestic and international, will determine the legacy he leaves on his nation.