Newly sworn-in Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has vowed to faithfully uphold the nation’s constitution, defend its democratic institutions, and work towards achieving African unity.
Faye was sworn in as the new President of Senegal on Tuesday April 2, taking the oath of office in the capital Dakar, marking completing the previously little-known opposition figure’s dramatic ascent from prison to the palace in just weeks.
In his inaugural address, he made solemn vows to faithfully serve the nation, defend its democratic institutions, and work towards achieving African unity.
Before God and before the Senegalese Nation, I swear to faithfully fulfill the office of President of the Republic of Senegal, to observe as well as to scrupulously observe the provisions of the Constitution and the laws, to devote all my forces to defending the constitutional institutions , territorial integrity and national independence, to finally spare no effort for the achievement of African unity.
The newly elected leader pledged to “devote all my forces to defending the constitutional institutions, territorial integrity, and national independence.” This commitment signals his resolve to uphold Senegal’s democracy and sovereignty.
However, Faye’s ambitions extend beyond Senegal’s borders. He vowed to “spare no effort for the achievement of African unity,” tapping into the long-standing Pan-African aspirations for a more integrated and united continent.
The 44-year-old Faye achieved a stunning first-round victory in Senegal’s March 24 presidential elections, riding a wave of support for his reform agenda. His electoral triumph made him the youngest person to ever assume the presidency in the country’s history.
He was released from prison ten days prior to the election along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko after a political amnesty announced by Sall.
His inauguration ceremony was attended by regional leaders and international dignitaries, including Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Faye’s predecessors and opposition figures were also present, in a display of Senegal’s robust democratic traditions.
