Senegal’s newly elected President Basirou Diomaye Faye named Ousmane Sonko as the nation’s prime minister, hours after his inauguration on Tuesday.
Sonko, a fierce critic of former President Macky Sall, enjoys widespread popularity, particularly among the country’s youth.
Despite being disqualified from running in the March 24 presidential election due to a defamation conviction, Sonko vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Running on a joint campaign platform under the slogan “Diomaye is Sonko,” Sonko threw his weight behind Faye, urging his supporters to rally behind the new president..
Sonko, a former tax inspector, has promised to deliver greater transparency and sovereignty for Senegal.
In response to his appointment, Sonko expressed his commitment to supporting President Faye and assured he would present the new president with a comprehensive list of proposed ministerial appointments for approval.
“There will be no hesitation in providing full support to President Faye as he shoulders this significant responsibility,” Sonko declared.
Faye and Sonko campaigned on promises to clean up corruption. This comes at a time when the country is equally facing high unemployment rates and soaring inflation.
