Senegal's President Faye appoints Ousmane Sonko as prime minister

Ousmane Sonko has been named prime minister of Senegal by President Bassirou Faye. Sonko's appointment was made public by Faye not long after his Tuesday inauguration. Senegalese political observers widely hold the opinion that Faye is Sonko's protégé. 

Though it was thought that their imprisonment was politically motivated, both individuals were freed weeks ahead of the presidential election. 

The Supreme Court of Senegal prohibited Sonko, the head of the main opposition Patriots of Senegal (PASTEF), from running for office. Following his suspension, PASTEF supported Faye for the presidency. Sonko promised to give Faye a complete list of all suggested cabinet appointees for approval after he was appointed.

“There will be no question of leaving him (Faye) alone to assume this heavy responsibility,” Sonko said.

Never having held public office before, Faye has pledged to undo years of economic downturn under his predecessor, Macky Sall. Additionally, the former tax collector pledged to return national sovereignty over vital resources including the fishing, oil, and gas industries. 

Experts are concerned that his apparent deference to Sonko, a politician who has been dubbed a "firebrand," could exacerbate his lack of political experience.

Source