Young people in Senegal were still recovering from a whirlwind campaign as they attended the inauguration of an opposition politician who transitioned from a political prisoner to president in less than three weeks. They threw jackets over their worn election T-shirts for the occasion.
Africa’s youngest elected president at 44, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, took the oath of office promising “systemic change” and honoring those who suffered in the lead-up to the country’s election.
The inauguration was the climax of months of drama following the cancellation and eventual holding of the election by former president Macky Sall.
Mr. Faye, a political rookie and tax inspector who spent 10 days campaigning, won over 54 percent of the vote, defeating Mr. Sall’s candidate. He had been released from jail just in time for the election, having been jailed on defamation and contempt of court charges.
The president of the constitutional council hailed Mr. Faye as Senegal’s choice.
Mr. Sonko, another key figure in Senegalese politics, was also present at the ceremony, receiving cheers from his supporters.
He had been in jail until three weeks prior to the election, barred from running due to previous convictions.
Mr. Faye and Mr. Sonko have vowed to make significant changes, including revising the country’s contracts with foreign companies.
After the inauguration, Mr. Faye was escorted to the presidential palace, marking the end of Mr. Sall’s 12-year tenure as president.
