A review of Senegal’s President Diomaye Faye's first 100 days in office

The 44-year-old leader, who assumed office with a bold agenda aimed at reshaping the nation's future, has focused on addressing critical challenges and implementing reforms across various sectors.

In these early days, Faye's administration has conducted a series of audits to review public finances and mineral contracts, while also taking quick measures to attract capital and mitigate the effects of rising living costs. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to sustain popular appeal and stabilise the economy.

The general sentiment in Senegal is that Faye is taking his time to assess state affairs, refine policy plans, and learn the ropes of governance. Jeanne Ramier, an Africa associate at the Eurasia Group consultancy, remarked that the administration is “taking time to take stock of state affairs, refine policy plans, and learn the ropes of governance. The administration is still drafting the ‘Project’ document, which will replace [former president] Macky Sall’s Emerging Senegal Plan and has been slow to come up with and roll out concrete policies,” Semafor quotes. However, concrete policies have been slow to materialise.

One of Faye's notable economic achievements is the issuance of a $750 million Eurobond in June to meet government financing needs ahead of the start of oil and gas production this year. Following the bond sale, the government took steps to stabilise prices by reducing the costs of bread, oil, and rice, and suspending taxes and customs duties on importers. These measures were aimed at addressing the erratic price fluctuations that had strained household budgets before the 2024 election, the Africa Leadership Magazine notes.

On the international front, Faye has maintained Senegal's commitment to regional cooperation and collective security. His first foreign trip outside of Africa was to meet French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, reinforcing Senegal’s membership in the euro-pegged CFA currency zone. Additionally, he has undertaken extensive visits to Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Mauritania, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire, emphasising Senegal's proactive stance in fostering regional stability and conflict resolution. His role as a facilitator in ECOWAS discussions with coup-affected nations highlights this commitment.

Domestically, President Faye has initiated ambitious reforms within Senegal’s judicial framework, aiming to streamline legal processes and uphold the independence of the judiciary.

Diomaye Faye secured 53.7% of the vote in the election, defeating former prime minister Amadou Ba, who garnered 36.2%. The electoral commission announced these results based on tallies from 90% of polling stations.