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- Outgoing Senegalese president Macky Sall said democracy was the real winner after the country's just-ended election.
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye is due to replace him, and he has promised to focus on reconciliation.
- Senegal will remain open to the world, he promised.
Outgoing Senegalese president Macky Sall says the just-ended polls won by the opposition's Bassirou Diomaye Faye were a victory for democracy.
Although yet to be officially announced as the incoming president, Faye, 44, beat former prime minister Amadou Ba, 62, who represented the soon-to-be former ruling party, the Alliance of the Republic, among 19 other candidates.
In a statement, Sall said: "I salute the smooth running of the presidential election of 24 March 2024 and congratulate the winner, Mr Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who the trends show as the winner.
"It is a victory for Senegalese democracy."
On Monday, Ba had a telephone conversation with Faye, whom he congratulated as the incoming president.
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller congratulated Senegal after international and regional observers found the election was a free and fair without violence or allegations of voter fraud.
"We note that both domestic and international observers have characterised election day as predominantly peaceful and election officials, polling staff, party agents, and security forces were generally professional.
"The commitment of the Senegalese people to the democratic process is part of the foundation of our deep friendship and strong bilateral ties," Miller said.
On Monday night, Faye addressed his supporters and outlined some of his intentions when he takes office.
"To give substance to the immense hope aroused by our social project and to give substance to its aspirations, I commit to governing with humility, with transparency and to fighting corruption at all levels," he said.
READ | What will change with Bassirou Diomaye Faye at Senegal helm?
Faye added the election in Senegal was a lesson which the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) could take a leaf, considering democracy in the region had come under attack.
"I appeal to our African brothers and sisters to come together to consolidate the gains obtained in the processes of building integration in Ecowas while correcting weaknesses and changing certain methods, strategies and political priorities."
He said under him, Senegal would continue playing a role in the international community and doors were open for friendly countries.
"I would like to tell the international community, our bilateral and multilateral partners, that Senegal will always hold its place.
"It will remain a friendly country and a safe and reliable ally for any partner who engages with us in virtuous and respectful cooperation," added Faye.
He said his first Cabinet, which will be announced after his inauguration, would be composed of men and women of valour and virtue.
"Senegalese from the interior and the diaspora - known for their competence, their integrity and their patriotism - would be considered for public service," he said.
Faye listed his priorities as follows:
- National reconciliation and the reconstruction of the foundations of the Senegalese social contract.
- Rebuilding of Chapter 9 institutions because they strengthen constitutional democracy in the republic.
- Significant reduction in the cost of living to alleviate the burdens of daily life.
- National inclusive sectoral consultations on the evaluation and relaunch of public policies.
Sall's last day in office is 2 April.
