- The electorate in Senegal, headed by Bassirou Diomaye Faye, rode a wave of protest votes against the incumbent leader on Sunday, fueled by dissatisfaction over the fact that progress driven by infrastructure has not benefited everyone.
- While investors expressed hope that promises to renegotiate energy contracts and create a new currency won’t be carried through, the young people who made up the core of Faye’s support base demand employment and more equitable wealth distribution.
- In Senegal, which was known for being economically liberal and welcoming to foreign enterprise, economic growth averaged over 5% during the 12 years that outgoing President Macky Sall was in office. This expansion was fueled by investments in ports, airports, highways, and railroads.
- On the other hand, Faye, 44, a former tax inspector who declared for president in November following the disqualification of populist firebrand Ousmane Sonko, has an interventionist perspective that includes backing regional industry.
Source:
Reuters
