Senegalese former jailed opposition leader Ousmane Sonko has become the country's prime minister.
Shortly after his election victory, Senegal's President Faye appointed Sonko to the post. The politician is a former tax inspector who has been critical of past economic and oil policies. Sonko has been a major political presence since his 2019 election performance, and now promises to deliver on his promises to the people.
Sonko has been vocal in his opposition to the government's conduct, particularly in managing the economy and negotiating oil contracts. Both he and President Faye, considered former political prisoners by their supporters, are advocating for policy change, with plans to review existing oil contracts.
Sonko, who was sentenced in June 2023 to two years of prison, which was followed by protests in the country, was released in mid-March as a part of a planned amnesty initiated by Senegalese former leader Macky Sall. Sonko was freed ten days before the country's presidential elections and could not have take part in the run.
Another opposition politician Bassirou Diomaye Faye won the elections with 54.28% of the votes. On Tuesday, he took oath.
The vote took place on March 24, although initially it was planned for February 25, but was postponed by Sall.