As President Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumes office in Senegal, all eyes turn to Paris, where his unexpected victory has sparked discussions about the future of Franco-Senegalese relations.
Faye’s campaign, centered on the idea of “rupture,” advocates for greater sovereignty for Senegal, including the departure from the CFA West African Franc currency union—a move perceived as shedding the remnants of French colonial influence. Instead, he proposes a new common regional currency.
Questions linger in both capitals: Will Faye’s presidency exacerbate anti-French sentiment or lead to the ascent of other foreign powers in Senegal? And what implications will this have for France’s diminishing economic and military footprint in West Africa?
Initial reactions from Paris and Dakar have been cautiously optimistic. French President Emmanuel Macron warmly congratulated Faye, expressing a desire to deepen bilateral ties. Faye, for his part, affirms Senegal’s commitment to its alliance with France while advocating for a reevaluation of their partnership to better serve Senegal’s interests.
“We need to win more from it,” Faye emphasized in a recent interview with France-Info radio, underscoring Senegal’s longstanding desire for a more equitable relationship.
Historically, France and Senegal have shared a close relationship, albeit with occasional friction. Senegal, once France’s oldest sub-Saharan African colony, now stands at a crossroads, signaling potential shifts in the dynamics of its international alliances.
(Source: @VOANews, @Reuters)
