Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye wanted a sober inauguration ceremony. But his wishes came up against republican protocol. Today, he will take office and will set about reducing the cost of living for the Senegalese people. With what team? Here’s an attempt at an answer!

Sober but solemn! Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye’s wishes cannot stand in the way of republican protocol. The new President of the Republic will take office today. The Abdou Diouf International Conference Centre in Diamniadio has been chosen and is ready for the ceremony. In addition to the ECOWAS Heads of State, the Rwandan Prime Minister is expected to attend. The new tenant of the Palace will be taking the regional express train to get there. To this end, a compartment has been decorated. Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye will swear to faithfully fulfil his commitments to the Senegalese people. In addition to the ceremony, the 5th President of the Republic of Senegal will be working to reduce the cost of living, cut the State’s cost of living and combat tax fraud, embezzlement and over-invoicing. At least, these are the objectives assigned to the first government that he will appoint before 5 April.

The appointment of the Prime Minister is expected tomorrow. He or she will have to lead an enlarged team. Indeed, this team will have to reflect the will of the man from Ndiaganiao to bring together all the driving forces of the Nation. Although the number of ministerial portfolios is limited, the government will have to reflect a union. Only members of Benno bokk yaakaar will not be included. The Yewwi askan wi coalition will be strongly represented. According to our contacts, this presence of former allies will not be to the detriment of members of the Pastef party. The strategic posts will be in the hands of its « Patriot » brothers.

Macky-Diomaye Meeting: Flawless Premiere

Given the configuration of the National Assembly, does the President of the Republic have a choice? Enlarging his first government guarantees him a collaboration with at least 80 MPs pending a probable dissolution. Where will Ousmane Sonko fit in? This is a question that the « Patriots » refused to discuss with Le Quotidien. But in view of the work done by the mayor of Ziguinchor, it is pertinent to ask whether Ousmane Sonko will accept being under the tutelage of someone other than the President of the Republic.

Perspectives for the New Leader of the Opposition: Amadou Ba, a Future in Debate

Although Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye was elected by the Senegalese people, he owes his seat to Ousmane Sonko, who chose him against all odds to become his political party’s candidate. However, appointing Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister will, of course, fuel the debate about Diomaye’s accountability to Sonko. Won’t Sonko’s presence be a burden for Diomaye? Won’t their friendship get in the way of the President of the Republic in situations where he has to make a decision? According to our sources, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye made up his mind last Friday. All that remains is for him to make it official.

By Malick GAYE / mgaye@lequotidien.sn

  • Translation by Ndey T. SOSSEH