Ousmane Sonko: The power behind Senegal's new president

At the time there were fears that Sall would extend his term despite a 2016 constitutional referendum which barred presidents from serving more than two five-year terms.

Sall's vague stand had already sparked protests from different quotas, eventually dragging Sonko, then a fiery opposition leader with a majority of the youth's support, into a tug-of-war with the government.

Despite being the early people's favourite, at least among Senegal's youth, Sonko was slapped with a 2-year sentence in absentia on June 1, terminating his chances to take a stab at the West African nation's top seat in the 2024 polls.

The charges he was facing were over comments he had made, rallies he held, sexual offences and other episodes since 2021.

Sonko had also accused President Sall of using legal procedures to torpedo his political career, an accusation the president denied.

With a decision hanging on a pendulum, and citizens waiting for his course of action, Bassirou Diomaye Faye emerged from Sonko's shadow. 

The presidential race with 19 candidates was on as Faye campaigned on Sonko's pedestal. They campaigned jointly under the slogan "Diomaye is Sonko," as Sonko urged supporters to vote for his top lieutenant, Faye.

The duo had however spent time in jail - Faye was detained without trial in April 2023 on charges including inciting insurrection - and were released on March 15, 2024, after an amnesty announced by President Sall.

With a few days to campaign, Faye ultimately made a dramatic ascent from the prison to the palace, winning over 54% of the vote in the first round under an independent ticket.

The PASTEF party, founded by Sonko in 2014, had endorsed him but was dissolved in July 2023 by the Senegalese government.

Faye also served as the PASTEF Secretary-General from 2021.

Sonko had previously run for the presidency in 2019 under his party's ticket and emerged third.

After Faye's swearing-in, he gave Sonko a shot in the hand and appointed him as the country's 16th Prime Minister.

At 44, Faye is now the country's youngest president thanks to Sonko's formidable prominence.