Africa's Youngest Elected Leader, his view on world demographics: A New Era for Senegal and the World

Edited by Umar-Mark Victor

Source; The New York Times

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal in the presidential palace in Dakar, the capital

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the 44-year-old President of Senegal, is on a mission to shake things up. In his first interview with Western media since taking office, he called for a new world order that gives more weight to Africa. With the continent's population projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, Faye believes it's time for a change.

A Fresh Start for Senegal

        Faye's rise to power is nothing short of remarkable. Just 10 days before the election, he was in prison, awaiting trial for defamation and contempt of court. But Ousmane Sonko, Senegal's most influential opposition politician, saw potential in Faye and chose him as the presidential candidate. When former President Macky Sall released Faye and Sonko, thousands celebrated, and Faye went on to win the election with over 50% of the vote.

A New World Order

        Faye's vision for a new world order is rooted in demographic reality. By 2050, Africa will account for one-quarter of the world's population. He believes it's time for the United Nations to reflect this shift. Faye advocates for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council, a move supported by the United States. However, analysts warn that achieving this will be challenging, as other countries also demand seats, and any change requires unanimous approval from the five permanent members with veto power.

Climate Change and Economic Justice

        Faye is passionate about climate change and economic justice. He points out that Africa is hardly responsible for climate change, yet the continent bears the brunt of its consequences. Rising sea levels have devastated coastal towns like Bargny, where dozens of homes have been swept away. Faye rails against rich nations continuing to use coal while denying financing for fossil fuel projects in developing countries.

Empowering Youth

        As the youngest elected leader in Africa, Faye understands the challenges facing young people. He prioritizes job training and education, recognizing that qualifications are key to securing employment or migrating legally. Faye and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, have captivated young Senegalese with promises to reform the regional currency, negotiate better deals with oil and gas companies, and tackle corruption.

Challenges Ahead

        Despite Faye's enthusiasm, challenges persist. Youth unemployment and migration remain pressing issues, with nearly 20,000 migrants reaching the Canary Islands in the first half of 2024. Economists warn that high debt servicing inherited from previous administrations limits the government's ability to address these concerns.

A New Era for Senegal

        Faye's leadership marks a new era for Senegal. With his call for a new world order, he's sparking important conversations about Africa's role in global governance. As he navigates the complexities of office, Faye remains committed to transforming the prospects of his people. In his words, "In a country like Senegal, everything is a priority and everything is urgent".

Key Takeaways

Demographic Shift: Africa's population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050, making it time for a new world order.

Climate Change: Africa bears the brunt of climate change consequences, despite contributing minimally to the problem.

Economic Justice: Faye advocates for fair treatment of developing countries, including financing for fossil fuel projects .

Youth Empowerment: Job training and education are crucial for securing employment or migrating legally.

Challenges Ahead: Youth unemployment, migration, and debt servicing remain pressing concerns.