On March 24, 2024, the Senegalese people voted in calm and serenity, making me the 5th President of the Republic of Senegal, in the first round, with 54.28% of the valid votes cast. I am aware of the weight of the responsibility and the seriousness of the burden. Allow me to give thanks to God, Almighty, the master of destinies and to express my deep gratitude to my family for their unwavering support and to the Senegalese people for the trust placed in me.
This great people that we are, at the cost of lives lost, irreversible injuries, freedoms confiscated and careers broken, has demonstrated, on many occasions and in critical moments, its attachment to peace and republican values. As I speak to you today, I am reminded of the painful memories of the martyrs of Senegalese democracy, the amputees, the wounded and the former prisoners.
I will always keep in mind the heavy sacrifices made in order to never disappoint you. Tribute must also be paid to our elders who fought for the advent of democracy in Senegal. They laid the solid foundations of an independent nation and a rule of law shaken at times but still standing. We are indebted to them for the values of freedom, justice and progress that they gave us as a heritage.
This is why it is essential that we know, the successes and failures of our predecessors, the humble paths they followed since we are the result of all their efforts. This is why, ultimately, it was Senegal which won on March 24, 2024. I am aware that the results coming out of the polls express a deep desire for systemic change. Through my election, the Senegalese people are committed to the path of building a sovereign, just and prosperous Senegal, in a progressing Africa.
And in this work of building a new Senegal, I will work tirelessly to preserve peace and national cohesion. I will keep in mind that our most precious resource remains the political stability of our country. I will mobilize the Senegalese here and in the diaspora around a unifying national project oriented towards a peaceful future. A national project respectful of specific identities, understood and shared by all, in a spirit of solidarity, for the happiness of all. I am committed, by promoting the cult of work, management ethics, discipline and love of the homeland, to resolutely and sustainably putting Senegal on the path to economic and social progress.
On the African level, the scale of the security perils and the numerous challenges that we face require us to show greater solidarity. I clearly hear the voice of the uninhibited elites who say loud and clear our common aspiration for more sovereignty, development and well-being. Alongside my peers, I reaffirm Senegal’s commitment to strengthening efforts for peace, security, stability and African integration.
To friendly countries and partners, I reiterate Senegal’s commitment and openness to exchanges respectful of our sovereignty, consistent with the legitimate aspirations of our people in a mutually winning partnership. Senegal, under my teaching, will be a country of hope, a peaceful country, with independent justice and a strengthened democracy.
This is my promise, on the basis of the oath that I have just taken before this august assembly.
Thank you for your kind attention.
