Senegal Inaugurates Youngest President After Protest-Filled Campaign
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Senegal has inaugurated 44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye as its youngest ever president after he won March elections just weeks after being released from prison.
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Faye, a left-wing pan-Africanist, defeated outgoing President Macky Sall by pledging reforms and appealing to frustrated youth. His victory followed months of protests over economic issues and jailing of opposition figures.
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Sworn in Tuesday in Diamniadio, Faye vowed to "scrupulously observe the constitution" and defend Senegal's territory and independence in pursuit of African unity.
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Supporters like factory worker Aissata Sagna see Faye's win as "the culmination of a long struggle for democracy and rule of law" after losing young people in demonstrations.
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Faye campaigned on fighting corruption, better managing resources, and cleaning up the relationship with former colonial power France criticized for self-enrichment in Senegal.