Senegal: The beginning of Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s post-election life

Bassirou Diomaye Faye is already assuming the role of a head of state. While awaiting the official final results of the March 24 election from the Constitutional Council, the newly elected president has a busy daily agenda.

In the privacy of his suite at the Azalaï Hotel located on the West Corniche of Dakar, where he has been staying for work sessions since Sunday evening following the publication of the initial trends, everything has now changed in the habits of the son of Ndiaganiao. Even though the man, due to his humility and attachment to his family, did not seem to adhere to strict security measures regarding accessibility, the security and protocol demands inherent to his new status as head of state have forced him to comply.

In a short video widely shared on social media, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, dressed in his blue African attire with a matching cap, was seen escorted by a Gign agent. He was giving a briefing to his staff consisting of about twenty trusted men. Among them, many have never been brought into the media spotlight until now. These are people who have worked in the shadows with Sonko and Faye for a long time, we are told. The main focus was on the preparations for the oath-taking ceremony and the transfer of power scheduled to take place no later than April 2.

Moreover, Thursday evening, photos went viral on the internet: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, accompanied by Ousmane Sonko, was received by outgoing President Macky Sall at the presidential palace. They discussed in depth the major state issues, as well as the oath-taking ceremony and handover of duties. All conducted in a friendly atmosphere.

Diomaye then had the privilege of a tour of the presidential palace, this splendid architectural marvel. It should be noted that in their meeting on Wednesday, Diomaye and his team also discussed the solemn flag-raising ceremony planned for the celebration of Senegal’s independence on April 4. A true baptism of fire! “He is a methodical man,” we are reminded.

Simultaneously, Macky Sall’s successor is in “constant contact” with his brother and leader Ousmane Sonko and other prominent members of the former Pastef party, such as Birame Souleye Diop, El Malick Ndiaye, Guy Marius Sagna, among others, with the imminent formation of the first government before tackling the priorities.

“Diomaye is very calm,”

“In the coming days, I will form my first government. It will consist of men and women of value and virtue. Senegalese from within the country and the diaspora known for their competence, integrity, and patriotism,” he informed on X. But this should not take long, given that during an interview with Walf TV during the election campaign, the tax inspector revealed that he and the mayor of Ziguinchor had already begun to refine the government team in their cells at Cap Manuel.

Throughout the day, since the day after the election, Diomaye continues to receive congratulatory messages from public figures both in the country and abroad. “He is overwhelmed, but he takes the time to converse with those he has always associated with. He is doing his best,” assures a party official. He smiles and is very calm. He is a respectful man, but also very serious about his work.”

The new President also receives visits from his closest associates who come to congratulate him, and he never hesitates to request prayers each time to fulfill his mission at the helm of the country.

“After his inauguration on April 2, he will be much less accessible, which is completely normal. But people will certainly understand,” assures our informant.

According to the figures from the National Vote Counting Commission (Cnrv), the candidate of DiomayePrésident has been credited with over 54% of the valid votes cast.

With Senenweb