(Ecofin Agency) - Bassirou Diomaye Faye was sworn in as the new President of Senegal on Tuesday, April 2, following his first-round election victory on March 24. Shortly after taking office, he appointed Ousmane Sonko as the Prime Minister, head of the government.

The newly appointed Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has appointed Ousmane Sonko, who was recently released from prison alongside the new head of state, as Prime Minister. Sonko is now tasked with forming the first government of the Diomaye Faye era.

"I understand the immense trust and significance of the confidence that the President has shown in me by appointing me to the role of Prime Minister of the Government of Senegal. [...] We will make every effort to fulfill the promises we made to the people of Senegal, which are to move away from the past, make progress, and bring about a lasting improvement,” declared the new Prime Minister during a speech at the Republic Palace on Tuesday evening.

Mr. Sonko is the charismatic leader of the African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity, or just Patriots of Senegal, the party from which the new President of Senegal hails. In recent days, speculation has been rife as to what role Mr. Sonko would play in the country's political life after the election of his protégé and Plan B, due to Mr. Sonko's disqualification from the presidential race. With this appointment, the new president intends to continue working closely with his political mentor.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Ousmane Sonko have known each other since their years working in the Senegalese tax administration. A founding member of the PASTEF party led by Ousmane Sonko, Bassirou Diomaye Faye became its general secretary in October 2022 until its dissolution in July 2023 by Macky Sall's government. The two men, who spent several months in prison for different reasons, are now jointly tasked with leading the fate of the Senegalese people.

In his inaugural speech on April 2, 2024, the new president outlined several priorities for his administration. Bassirou Diomaye Faye aims to give Senegal "greater sovereignty, development, and well-being," as well as to "strengthen efforts for peace, security, stability, and African integration." Mr. Sonko will be responsible for assembling the governmental team that will realize these ambitions.

According to Article 49 of the Senegalese Constitution, it is the President of the Republic who appoints ministers on the suggestion of the Prime Minister. Article 53 of the foundational law specifies that the government, under the leadership of the Prime Minister as the head of government, conducts and coordinates the nation's policy.