By Biran Gaye
Bassirou Diomaye Faye has been sworn-in as the fifth president of Senegal yesterday after the country’s Constitutional Council confirmed his presidential election victory.
The Constitutional Council oversaw the swearing-in ceremony attended by 15 heads of states, including President Adama Barrow, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu, Guinea’s junta leader Mamadou Doumbia and Nana Akuffo Addo as well as African Union Chair Musa Faki Mahamat and ECOWAS Commission president Omar Touray.
The newly elected president, released from prison three weeks ago after the promulgation of the amnesty law, swore “before God and before the Senegalese Nation, to faithfully fulfill the office of President of the Republic of Senegal”, to defend “the integrity of the territory and national independence, and finally to spare no effort for the achievement of African unity”.
In a brief speech after his oath, Mr. Faye said he was “aware that the results of the elections express a profound desire for systemic change.”
“Senegal under my leadership will be a country of hope, a peaceful country with independent justice and a strengthened democracy,” he said.
The former tax inspector called for “more solidarity” to address security challenges facing many African countries.
The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Abdou DIOUF International Center (CICAD) located in Diamniadio on April 2, followed by official handover between Macky Sall and Diomaye Faye at the Palais de la République.
The newly elected president is expected to form his new government as he assumes office.
Faye won more than 54% of votes in last Sunday’s delayed presidential vote, with ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba taking over 35%.
