Senegal’s President Diomaye Faye Appoints Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister

Posted on by Inkoom Esther
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Senegal’s top opposition leader Ousmane Sonko, right, and his key ally Bassirou Diomaye Faye address supporters in Dakar, Senegal, Friday March 15, 2024.  –  credit: © africanews

In a historic moment for Senegal, President Diomaye Faye, at 44 years old, assumed office on Tuesday, marking the inauguration of Africa’s youngest elected leader. Faye’s ascension to power represents a remarkable journey from incarceration to the presidential palace in a matter of weeks.

The recent election, which tested Senegal’s standing as a stable democracy in West Africa, saw Faye emerge victorious. His swift rise to prominence comes against a backdrop of political turmoil, with the region grappling with coups and attempted coups in recent years.

Faye’s political journey took a dramatic turn less than two weeks before the election when he and his mentor, the popular opposition figure Ousmane Sonko, were released from prison. Their freedom came as part of a political amnesty announced by outgoing President Macky Sall, following months of protests sparked by their arrests.

During the protests, which saw widespread participation and garnered international attention, rights groups reported dozens of casualties and the arrest of around 1,000 individuals. Concerns had been raised over Sall’s potential bid for a third term, despite existing term limits, fueling the unrest.

In his inaugural address, President Faye paid tribute to those who lost their lives or were detained during the protests, pledging to champion greater sovereignty for Senegal while prioritizing economic prosperity. He acknowledged the electorate’s desire for systemic change, signaling his commitment to addressing the grievances of Senegal’s youth, who have expressed frustration with the country’s trajectory.

Faye, a former tax inspector, assumed his first elected office as president, symbolizing a shift in leadership that resonates with the aspirations of Senegal’s youthful population. His rapid ascent underscores a broader sentiment across Africa, where a burgeoning youth demographic seeks to challenge entrenched political systems and foster inclusive governance.

Qatar dropped out of the World Cup after Senegal’s victory

Posted on by Inkoom Esther

Senegal faced Qatar in a World Cup match at the Al Thumama Stadium in Doha. Senegal won 1-3 despite their efforts. As a result, Qatar dropped out of the biggest competition.

Goals either side of half-time from Boulaye Dia and Famara Diedhiou gave Senegal the lead before Qatari substitute Mohamed Muntari responding with a dramatic 78th-minute finish. Senegal substitute Bamba Dieng scored six minutes later to put the result beyond doubt and lift the African champions, who opened with a 2-0 loss to the Netherlands, right back into contention in Group A.

The defeat left bottom side Qatar sweating on results elsewhere if they are to avoid following South Africa in 2010 as only the second World Cup hosts to bow out after the first round. Their elimination would be confirmed if Ecuador fail to beat the Netherlands later in the day, and would make Qatar the first World Cup hosts to go out after two games. Qatar started the tournament on a nervous note with a 2-0 loss to Ecuador and again looked shaky against Senegal.

 The Asian champions left their goalkeeper Saad Al-Sheeb on the bench after a shaky performance in the opener. His replacement, Meshaal Barsham, did not inspire much confidence from the start and shot from around the corner when Senegal looked to take the lead.

 Ismaila Sarr and Nampalys Mendy missed Senegal’s chances at this point, while Idrissa Gana Gueye and Youssouf Sabali lost more during the first half.

Qatar spent much of the first 45 minutes on the back foot, but a rare run forward pissed off Akram Afif, who did not earn a penalty after being tackled by Sarr.

Senegal seemed ready to go into the first half without breaking Qatar’s resistance only after the hosts conceded a goal in the 41st minute. Qatari defender Boualem Koukhi allowed Dia to go past Barsham after stepping on a loose ball. Senegal doubled their lead shortly after the break when Diedhiou headed from a corner at the near post.

 Qatar became more ambitious from two goals down and Afif was involved  in it all. Almoez Ali forced a fingertip save out of Senegal goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy and the Chelsea player once again saved the African team from Isamil Mohamad. Mendy was tied to his lane as Muntari brought the hosts back into play  with a powerful cross .

 The goal spurred the crowd on and Qatar looked for another goal, but Dieng scored Senegal’s third  goal in the 84th minute.

 Abdelkarim Hassan fired a free kick from the post, Qatar tried to score, but Senegal sealed the win.