Senegal President Faye appoints Sonko as prime minister

West Africa

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Senegal’s new President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed key opposition leader and his ally Ousmane Sonko as prime minister.

That was his first act as president after he was sworn into office on Tuesday in Dakar. And as expected, Sonko’s appointment has been hailed by his supporters.

Sonko was former President Macky Sall’s key political opponent but was barred from the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. He denied any wrongdoing.

Both Faye and Sonko campaigned jointly before the election under the slogan “Diomaye is Sonko.”

Sonko urged his supporters to vote for Faye, a key reason why Faye won with over 54% of the vote in the first round.

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“There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility”, Sonko said after his appointment was announced.

Sonko said he would present Faye with a full list of proposed ministerial appointments for his approval.

In his first speech as president-elect, Faye promised to fight corruption and reform the economy.

“I pledge to govern with humility and transparency, and to fight corruption at all levels. I pledge to devote myself fully to rebuilding our institutions,” he said during his March 25 speech, restating promises made during his campaign.

Mr Faye only got released from prison ahead of the vote. He had been in prison 10 days before the vote and campaigned on the promise of radical change.

He ran as an independent candidate but had support from Ousmane Sonko, who many thought would succeed Mr Sall.

“The results of the election showed a profound desire for change,” Faye said after taking the oath of office.



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