The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) says the inauguration of President Bassirou Diomaye Faye represents a triumph of democracy in Senegal, following a long history of challenges and attempts to extend presidential terms.
This was made known on Tuesday in a statement issued by Ibrahim Zikirullahi, the Executive Director of the CHRICED.
According to him, CHRICED hopes that President Faye will mobilize the necessary will to influence and steer ECOWAS towards the original vision of the regional body and the needs of citizens and residents of the region.
Recall, that Faye assumes office as Senegal’s youngest democratically elected President at the age of 44, marking a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape.
Amidst widespread celebrations, President Faye has pledged to initiate reforms aimed at safeguarding Senegal’s democratic institutions and promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Zikirullahi said Faye’s ascent to power is credited to the resilience and determination of the Senegalese people, who vehemently opposed attempts at tenure elongation by former Presidents Macky Sall and Abdoulaye Wade.
He added: “One of the biggest challenges to democratization in the sub-region and sub-Saharan Africa is the weak social contract.
“Many African presidents find it hard to speak to their citizens, except when forced. They would rather talk to international media as part of efforts at building and burnishing their global image. It is common in Africa to hear new policy statements and directives from major international media after cornering our Presidents and Parliamentarians.
“We hope President Faye will prioritize and put proper mechanisms in place for regular communications and feedback with Senegalese as the most significant stakeholder in Senegal’s democracy.
“We urge the President to speak truthfully and frankly with the people, share the country’s challenges with them, encourage feedback, and allow dissension. This means avoiding any temptation to curb or gag civil society, opposition, social media, and other channels of free expression of citizens and social networks.
“President Faye’s presidency also holds significant implications for regional governance in West Africa. His leadership presents an opportunity to strengthen cooperation within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and promote democratic values across the sub-region.
“CHRICED calls on President Faye to engage actively in restoring constitutional democracy in neighboring countries, including Niger, Mali, Guinea, and Burkina Faso.”
