President William Ruto has congratulated two recently elected African leaders, as they assume their respective offices.

In a statement on X on Tuesday, April 2, President Ruto conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Senegal’s newly elected President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on his victory in the elections.

Ruto praised Faye’s visionary leadership, hailing it as an inspiration and a benchmark for emerging leaders across the continent.

The Head of State expressed eagerness to collaborate with the Senegalese leader, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the ties between Kenya and Senegal for mutual prosperity.

“Congratulations Bassirou Diomaye Faye on your decisive election victory. Your visionary leadership is inspiring and sets an unmatched example for emerging leaders. As you assume office today, we undertake to work with you to escalate Kenya-Senegal ties for our shared prosperity,” Ruto stated.

Congratulations Bassirou Diomaye Faye on your decisive election victory. Your visionary leadership is inspiring and sets an unmatched example for emerging leaders. As you assume office today, we undertake to working with you to escalate Kenya-Senegal ties for our shared… pic.twitter.com/q9xXVIPVja

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 2, 2024

Continuing his gestures, Ruto also extended his best wishes to Egypt’s re-elected president, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi.

Ruto conveyed Kenya’s readiness to collaborate with President Al-Sisi towards fostering a more united and progressive Africa.

“Best wishes to President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi of Egypt as you begin your new term in office. Kenya looks forward to working with you for a more united and progressive Africa,” Ruto expressed.

Faye, Africa’s youngest president

Faye is poised to become Africa’s youngest democratically elected president in history.

Faye garnered a significant lead over his opponent, Ba.

A week before the presidential elections, Faye was in prison.

After enduring over 11 months of imprisonment for a Facebook post considered subversive by authorities, Faye has risen from a political prisoner to the president of Senegal, promising significant reforms for the nation.

His ascent into Senegalese politics came shortly after his release from prison, alongside his mentor Ousmane Sonko, who was barred from running in the election due to a defamation conviction.

Faye maintained silence since casting his vote, garnering much of his support from Sonko’s endorsement.

Both Faye and Sonko, former tax inspectors, united under the banner of “Diomaye is Sonko,” vowing to combat corruption and prioritize the country’s economic welfare.

A peaceful transfer of power in Senegal would signify a positive step for democracy in West Africa, a region marred by numerous military coups since 2020.