Senegal Election: Bassirou Diomaye Mobilizes Support in Casamance
A crowd numbering in the hundreds enthusiastically greeted candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye and his mentor Ousmane Sonko upon their return to the southwestern Senegalese region of Casamance on Sunday. The homecoming of the two figures, who had spent months in prison, sparked hope and promises for the region’s future. Diomaye Faye vowed to transform Ziguinchor, the main city of Casamance, into a significant economic hub and elevate Sedhiou to the status of a cultural capital.
Despite being Senegal’s economic powerhouse, Casamance remains the country’s poorest region and has long been isolated due to its history of opposition. Unemployment, particularly among the youth, is a pressing issue in the area. Moustapha, a 22-year-old with a bachelor’s degree who now works as a motorbike taxi driver, reflects the struggles faced by many young people in Casamance. He witnesses the decline of Ziguinchor daily but remains hopeful for change, pledging his support for Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Moustapha’s sentiments echo those of numerous other young people in the region who back Diomaye Faye’s candidacy. The sense of neglect experienced in Ziguinchor, contrasted with the prosperity of Dakar, fuels frustration among the youth, leading some to contemplate separatist sentiments.
The buzz surrounding Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s campaign has been palpable in Casamance, with his nomination by the Constitutional Council serving as a catalyst for heightened enthusiasm. Youth organizations in the area have been actively promoting Diomaye Faye’s candidacy long before the official campaign period commenced two months ago.
Campaign organizers are determined to ensure a fair electoral process, adamantly declaring their commitment to preventing any attempts at election fraud. Local campaign organizer Seidou Mendiang emphasized their stance, asserting that they will not tolerate any form of electoral malpractice.
