Bassirou Diomaye Faye sworn in as Senegal's new president
Senegal inaugurated Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its new president on Tuesday, completing the previously little-known opposition figure's dramatic ascent from prison to the palace in recent weeks.
Faye was released from prison less than two weeks before the March 24 election, along with popular opposition figure and mentor Ousmane Sonko, following a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall. It is the former tax inspector's first time in elected office.
“It’s the culmination of a long struggle for democracy and the rule of law,” said Aissata Sagna, a 39-year-old factory worker who worked on Faye's campaign. “This is a day of celebration for us, even if we have lost young people killed during the demonstrations.”
Read moreHow Senegal's presidential election was postponed, reinstated and moved up
Such frustrations are common across many countries in Africa, home to the world's youngest population, where a number of leaders have clung to power for decades.
(AP)
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