2024-03-24 22:32:17
It is a political earthquake which has just shaken Senegal. As exclusively revealed by 237online.com, your reference African news site, Bassirou Diomaye Faye won the presidential election of March 24, 2024, thus becoming the 5th president in the country’s history. A result which crowns the bold bet of the Pastef party, which had chosen this faithful lieutenant of Ousmane Sonko to carry its colors in this crucial election. A look back at the journey and victory of the man who embodies the renewal of Senegalese politics.
From shadow to light: The meteoric rise of Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Until his nomination as Pastef’s candidate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was an illustrious unknown to the general public. However, this 44-year-old tax inspector, originally from Ndiaganiao in the Mbour department, had long been a pillar of Ousmane Sonko’s party. Described as “ the architect of the Pastef project », he co-wrote the founding texts of the movement and was in all the fights alongside his mentor. Loyalty and competence which convinced Ousmane Sonko to entrust him with the reins for this decisive election.
“Bassirou, it’s me” : When Ousmane Sonko knights his heir
« My choice on Diomaye is not a choice of heart but of reason. I chose it because it meets the criteria I defined. He is competent and attended the most prestigious school in Senegal. After almost 20 years at Taxes and Domains where he did exceptional work, no one can say that he does not have integrity. I would even say that he has more integrity than me. I place the project in his hands“. It was with these strong words that Ousmane Sonko announced his choice, surprising observers but delighting activists. A dubbing that says a lot about the trust and esteem that the charismatic leader of Pastef has in his lieutenant.
A fusional relationship, two complementary styles
Between Ousmane Sonko and Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the relationship is almost fusional. “They are two sides of the same coin with two different styles. Ousmane’s charisma is unrivaled, but Diomaye’s charm and insight are a sensation.”, describes Moustapha Sarré, responsible for training at Pastef. A complementarity which worked wonders during the campaign, Bassirou Diomaye Faye seducing with his mastery of issues and his eloquence where Ousmane Sonko electrified the crowds with his enthusiasm and his strength of conviction.
A victory that opens a new chapter for Senegal
Beyond the personal prowess of Bassirou Diomaye Faye, this election marks a real political revolution. By bringing a new man at the head of the country, from civil society and embodying the values of probity and good governance, the Senegalese have sent a strong message of breaking with old practices. A new chapter is opening for Senegal, with the hope of democratic renewal and more inclusive and equitable development.
The immense challenges awaiting the new president
But the euphoric victory will quickly give way to the immense challenges that await the new president. Bassirou Diomaye Faye inherits a country plagued by strong social tensions, with young people looking for prospects and an economy weakened by successive crises. He will also have to deal with a fragmented political scene, and manage the sometimes cumbersome legacy of his mentor Ousmane Sonko, whose legal troubles have polarized the country. So many titanic projects for this novice president, who will be expected to turn the corner from his first steps at the head of state.
This election, beyond its winner, is also a strong symbol: that of an Africa which aspires to change and which takes control of its destiny. A standing and confident Africa, of which Bassirou Diomaye Faye is now one of the faces.