Senegal's newly inaugurated president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has embarked on a historic Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, fulfilling a religious duty and marking a significant moment in his presidency. The 44-year-old left-wing pan-Africanist was sworn in as Senegal's youngest president earlier this week, pledging systemic change and greater sovereignty.
Faye, who was released from prison just 10 days before the presidential ballot, won the election with 54.3% of the vote. His campaign was launched while he was still in detention, and he has vowed to restore national sovereignty over key assets such as oil, gas, and fishing sectors. He also aims to leave the regional CFA franc currency, which he views as a legacy of French colonialism.
The Hajj pilgrimage comes after a period of political turmoil in Senegal, with Faye referring to the 'martyrs of Senegalese democracy' in his inaugural speech. He has promised national reconciliation, easing the cost of living crisis, and fighting corruption. Faye, a practicing Muslim from a humble background with two wives and four children, represents a new generation of youthful politicians.
On the international stage, Faye wants to bring military-run Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger back into the fold of the regional Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas). He has also urged more solidarity between African countries in the face of security challenges. The formal handover of power with former President Macky Sall took place at the presidential palace in Dakar.
