President Emmanuel Macron’s office announced on Friday that Macron had conveyed to Senegal’s president-elect, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, France’s desire to “continue and intensify the partnership” between the two countries. Macron extended “warm congratulations” to Faye for his victory in the presidential election held last Sunday, applauding the smooth conduct of the vote and “the sovereign choice of the Senegalese people”.
During their inaugural telephone conversation following the election, Macron and Faye delved into the key areas of “bilateral cooperation and the regional situation,” according to the Elysee Palace. Faye, aged 44, emerged victorious in the first round of the election against establishment candidate Amadou Ba, despite being released from prison merely 10 days before the March 24 election.
Faye’s political mentor, Ousmane Sonko, known for his fiery rhetoric against former colonial power France, has consistently criticized the country. However, Faye, in a departure from Sonko’s stance, reassured that Senegal would maintain its trustworthiness as an ally to foreign partners. France, Senegal’s primary political and economic ally, has witnessed a decline in its influence in its former West African colonies in recent years.
The affirmation of Senegal’s commitment to its foreign alliances by Faye was received positively by France, underscoring the importance of the bilateral relationship. Macron’s dialogue with Faye reflects France’s keen interest in fostering strong ties with Senegal under its new leadership, paving the way for continued collaboration and mutual benefit between the two nations.
