South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday praised the people of Senegal for lighting a “beacon of new hope” for Africa by opting for a peaceful transition to power following Sunday’s presidential election.
In a congratulatory message following the election of Bassirou Diomaye Faye as Senegal’s new leader, Ramaphosa said the outcome of the election “bears testimony to the resilient spirit of the Senegalese people who preferred the democratic course of change of government through voting.”
“The Senegalese people have lightened a beacon which will usher in a new hope in the journey of rebuilding Africa by opting for peaceful change of government as opposed to violence,” the South African leader said.
The 44-year-old Faye won more than 54 percent of votes in the presidential election against 35 percent for ruling coalition candidate Amadou Ba and 2.8 percent for Aliou Mamadou Dia.
The recently incarcerated Faye has said he wants a “break” with the current political system and is set to become the youngest president in Senegal’s history.
Ramaphosa applauded the other contestants for displaying maturity in accepting the election outcome.
South Africa and Senegal enjoy “close political, trade and social relations deepened by strong historical ties rooted from the anti-apartheid struggle,” Ramaphosa said.
He committed to strengthen the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Senegal in pursuit of a better and peaceful continent.
JN/APA