Anti-Colonialist candidate in Senegal, Faye, announced its victory, which is another call for France to leave the former colony country in Africa. The presidential elections of March 24 in Senegal resulted in the victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Senegal’s top court confirmed on March 29th Faye’s election as the country’s fifth president. Senegal’s president-elect Faye won more than 54 per cent of votes, and there was no objection to his victory. This election marks a policy change between Senegal and France as the new leader offers “left-wing Pan-Africanism as he described himself as a “candidate for system change”. The victory of Faye is considered an anti-western and especially anti-colonialist movement. The new President will fight against political corruption and abolish the CFA Franc, which is the under the control of French treasury. Faye’s primary goal in the international arena will be to bring Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger back into the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and establish partnerships for all. All these countries abolished relations with France. French President Emmanuel Macron called President-elect Faye before his inauguration ceremony and spoke about developing relations. France has closed its military base in Senegal in 2010 but kept its air force base open within the Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport in the capital, Dakar. The loss of Senegal will mean a loss of power for France in West African regional affairs.
Faye’s first speech about the elections gives more than hints about upcoming developments. He said, “it is high time for France to lift its knee of our neck and put an end to this unjust oppression. Centuries of misery, human trafficking, colonisation and neo colonisation have caused immeasurable suffering. It's time to put an end to this cycle of oppression. It is high time for France to leave us alone. It is time for France to take a queue for European neighbours and learn a valuable lesson in independence. Germany is a leading economic power in Europe, significantly surpassing France, which is ranked third of fourth largest economic power globally. Germany does not exploit any country, any colony. I can mention Italy, Spain who had colonies before but who do not exploit anyone, who do not intervene, who do not impose leaders in their former colonies. On what ground does France believe it can continue to impose leaders on us and make choices on our behalf? This must come to an end.”
Gulf countries, China, and Turkiye, are the countries that develop new connections with Senegal.
