Ousmane Sonko, Senegal's new prime minister, is a dynamic political figure who mobilized Senegalese youth to support the election of his close ally, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, as president. As anticipated, Sonko has now secured a prominent position in return.
A staunch critic of former president Macky Sall, the 49-year-old Sonko was disqualified from running in the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction. Despite denying any wrongdoing, Sonko endorsed the relatively unknown Faye as his successor, urging his followers to support him instead.
Both Sonko and Faye, former tax inspectors, have positioned themselves as opponents of corruption and elitism, advocating for Senegal to break free from what they perceive as lingering ties to French colonialism.
Following his appointment, Sonko vowed to fulfill the promises made to the Senegalese people, emphasizing a departure from the past, progress, and definitive change.
Their campaign manifesto pledges to renegotiate contracts in mining, oil, and gas sectors and introduce a new national currency.
Wendyam Herve Lankoande, a West Africa risk consultant at Africa Practice, sees their partnership as complementary, predicting that their political alliance will succeed if they maintain the right balance.
Sonko is expected to submit a list of proposed ministers to Faye for approval in the near future.
In an interview with Reuters, Faye revised their pledge to abandon the CFA franc, suggesting that Senegal would first seek to reform the West African Monetary Union in collaboration with its member states.
Sonko has faced legal challenges in recent years, including accusations of rape in 2021, triggering violent clashes between his supporters and law enforcement. Despite his convictions, he maintains that all charges against him are politically motivated.
Both Sonko and Faye were released from jail less than a month ago under a new amnesty law aimed at calming tensions in Senegal.
Campaigning under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," they garnered widespread support, resulting in Faye's landslide victory in the first round of elections.
Sonko, a devout Muslim, advocates for stricter laws against homosexuality in Senegal, where the majority of the population is Muslim. His comments during his rape trial drew criticism from women's groups and public figures, who questioned his suitability for higher office.