Honourable Balance Sheet

One hundred days might not be enough to implement a campaign manifesto. But one hundred days are at least enough to assess its implantation. On July 12, 2024, the youngest African President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye met the press to scan through some of the campaign promises he made and decisions he has taken during his first 100 days in power. During the exercise which was the first of its kind, the Senegalese President gave in-depth analysis of his different acts. From his presentation, it emerged that his first 100 days were marked by a string of audits reviewing public finances and mineral contracts. 
He has also without any hesitation, put in place quick measures aimed at attracting investors in the country and at the same time trying to cushion the effects of rising living costs to sustain his early popular appeal. The 44-year-old, who took office in April after a whirlwind couple of months that took him from a jail cell to the presidential palace, has implemented his plan for Senegal in a tone more measured than the revolutionary verve of his campaign. No contracts with multinationals have been canceled. His first foreign trips in Africa were also successful as he tried to mediate in order to bring back Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger into the regional bloc. Beyond Africa, he met with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris. For now, Senegal remains a member of the euro-pegged CFA currency zone. 
Though some experts believe President Faye is taking time to take stock of State affairs, refine policy plans, learn the ropes of governance and draft policies that would eventually replace that of his predec...