Senegalese leader, Bassirou Faye, has named outspoken politician Ousmane Sonko as prime minister, shortly after becoming the fifth president of the West African nation.
Faye, who assumed office on Tuesday, pledged sweeping reforms to counteract the years of unrest during the tenure of his predecessor, Macky Sall, a political opponent of Sonko.
He also paid homage to the many people who were killed, injured, and imprisoned during the years-long lead-up to the election in the country.
Hours later, the announcement of Sonko’s appointment was made.
“Mr Ousmane Sonko is named prime minister,” Oumar Samba Ba, the general secretary of the presidency, said as he read out a decree on the public television station RTS.
Following his appointment, Sonko stated that he would submit a comprehensive list of proposed ministerial appointments to Faye for his approval.
“There will be no question of leaving (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility”, he said.
The 44-year-old Faye is Africa’s youngest elected president.
The former tax inspector and political newcomer garnered over 54% of the vote, despite having only 10 days of freedom to campaign.
He had been detained on charges of defamation and contempt of court, awaiting trial, until Sall announced an amnesty law that facilitated his release.
Sonko was also in jail until three weeks ago.
He was disqualified from running for president due to convictions for defamation and “corruption of youth,” stemming from accusations made by a massage parlour employee.
After his release, Sonko immediately hit the campaign trail to support Faye, who secured a first-round victory despite never having held elected office previously.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@nairobilawmonthly.com, and to advertise with us, call +254715061658 anytime of the day
