Senegal elects Africa’s youngest President

Senegal’s opposition politician Bassirou Diomaye Faye is on his way to be announced the next president soon after he was released from jail, in a tumultuous vote that highlights the West African country’s standing as a resilient African democracy.

While final election results have not yet been revealed, Bassirou is the winner after his rival, former prime minister under Macky Sall government, conceded defeat after first preliminary results.

“I pledge to govern with humility and transparency, and to fight corruption at all levels. I pledge to devote myself fully to rebuilding our institutions,” Bassirou said.

He said gas oil and defense deals must be renegotiated to serve the best interests of the Senegalese people.

He also promised to make a clean break with the euro-pegged CFA franc currency, often viewed as a relic of colonialism.

The vote turns the page on months-long turmoil and violence triggered after outgoing President Macky Sall decided to put off elections, before he backtracked on the decision.

President Sall has also congratulated Mr Faye and said that it was a win for the people of Senegal.