Senegal’s new president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a 44-year-old former tax inspector, has pledged to lead the country out of the West African CFA franc, a currency tied to the euro and seen as a symbol of French colonialism.
During his official inauguration on Monday (2 April), Faye stated that his election reflected a strong desire for change.
The former president, Macky Sall, who did not run for re-election after serving two terms, had close ties with France.
Sall’s decision to delay the presidential elections from late February to December sparked public protests, raising concerns about the potential for autocracy in Senegal.
There is a sense of relief in Paris and other European capitals following Sall’s departure and the peaceful transfer of power.
The head of the EU’s election observation mission in Senegal, Swedish MEP Malin Björk, commended the presidential elections as well-organized and a demonstration of Senegal’s strong democratic institutions.
However, the question remains whether Faye, who won the support of young voters with promises of job creation, increased state involvement in the economy, and renegotiation of mineral contracts, will adopt a confrontational stance towards France and the EU.
Senegal shares a border with Mali, one of the West African countries that has experienced military coups in recent years.
France and the EU have faced challenges due to their diminished influence in the Sahel region following the coups, with other actors like Russia seizing opportunities among anti-French sentiment, particularly among young French-speaking Africans.
The coups were seen as a rejection of France, with the EU perceived as supporting French interests, according to Gilles Olakounlé Yabi, the executive director of the West Africa Citizen Think Tank (WATHI).
French newspaper Le Monde described Faye’s election as a wake-up call for Western countries like France, highlighting the changing dynamics in Africa’s decolonization process.
French President Emmanuel Macron and EU foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell congratulated Faye, with Macron offering to strengthen ties between their countries.
Faye affirmed that Senegal would remain a reliable ally but emphasized the need for a more beneficial relationship with France.
The EU has been discussing a formal migration management program with Senegal, aiming to address the increase in African migrants attempting to cross to Spain.
Experts caution against viewing Faye as a radical threat to Senegal’s European relations.
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Paul Melly, a consulting fellow at the Africa Programme of the British Chatham House think-tank, predicts a pragmatic approach from both sides in maintaining a close partnership.
Melly noted that Macron’s officials had engaged with Ousmane Sonko, the leader of Faye’s party, Pastef, last year.
Paris is likely to consider Faye’s emphasis on respect in Senegal’s future international relations, recognizing the importance of a strong partnership.
Currency Reform
In discussing currency reform and moving away from the CFA franc, Faye expressed interest in transitioning Senegal to the eco, a proposed single currency for West Africa set to launch in 2027, although he acknowledged this as a long-term goal.
Melly referenced Macron’s 2017 speech in Ouagadougou, where the French president expressed support for West African states seeking to reform their common currency.
Reform of the CFA franc began following Macron’s speech, led by Ivory Coast’s President Alassane Ouattara, and has made significant progress.
France has already implemented two of Ouattara’s reform proposals, indicating a willingness to move away from the currency link with West African states.
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