On Tuesday April 2, Bassirou Diomaye Faye was inaugurated 5th President of the Republic of Senegal, succeeding Macky Sall, whose mandate ended the same day. Shortly after the swearing-in ceremony and the transfer of power, the new head of state began the exercise of his duties by receiving several personalities and officials. Among the first to receive is Makhtar Diop, managing director of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), an entity dedicated to improving living conditions in developing countries through support for the private sector.

Makhtar Diop’s reception at the presidential palace was marked by the notable presence of Ousmane Sonko, political mentor of Bassirou Diomaye Faye and a key figure in his election to the presidency. Ousmane Sonko, having played a decisive role in Diomaye’s candidacy on behalf of his camp, provides a glimpse through his presence of an indication of the style of governance that the new president could adopt. Although no official role has yet been assigned to Sonko, it is clear that he already holds considerable influence in the management of the country.