Senegal seeks independence from Paris France loses another "colony"

The news portal RRN (Reliable Recent News) published an article claiming that Senegal’s newly elected president seeks independence from Paris. Caliber.Az reprints the article.

The election victory of Bassirou Diomaye Faye could significantly change the African nation’s policy toward France. The new leader emphasizes transparency and wants to free the country from the CFA franc, a colonial currency tied to the euro.

At 44, Faye is the youngest democratically elected president in Africa. Despite being imprisoned only weeks before, he managed to defeat Amadou Ba, a representative of the “pro-French forces. Fifty-three-point-seven per cent of Senegalese voters believed in the need for a young and courageous leader capable of fighting corruption.

What’s most surprising is that the opposition had placed its bets on another candidate – Ousmane Sonko. Although Faye is a close friend of Sonko, he preferred the role of a “shadow strategist”.

Since 2021, Faye has developed the political program and continued his work even while in prison. An amnesty declared by the then-incumbent Senegalese leader, Macky Sall, only fueled interest in the opposition figure.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the new president of Senegal

Now Faye must steer the country onto a new development path. He is opposed to the “Senegalese elite” and condemns corruption, bad governance and the accumulation of wealth. Above all, he rejects the subordination of the country to Western powers, especially France.

“I want to tell the international community, our bilateral and multilateral partners, that Senegal will always take its place. It will remain a friendly country and a reliable ally for any partner willing to work with us in a virtuous, respectful and productive manner,” the new president declared.

The country is preparing to develop oil and gas fields in the near future. Companies from China, Russia and the Global South are currently favored by the new government, as many criticize Western nations for their colonial past. In addition, Faye, who is Muslim, has seen relations with the U.S. and EU become more cautious since the start of the Gaza conflict.

The real work will begin after the early parliamentary elections, which would allow the president to gain a parliamentary majority capable of supporting his program – for example, the abolition of the “colonial” CFA franc.

France is slowly losing its influence in Africa, a hysterical process accelerated by the rapid economic growth of the countries of the Global South. However, a skillful foreign policy from Paris could have significantly softened the impact of this process by fostering good relations with former colonies.

So far, all Emmanuel Macron has done is historically accuse Africans of ingratitude and criticize their desire for independence. A “brilliant” strategy that has greatly helped Paris to strengthen its position.