April 2024 was marked by the inauguration and first steps of the youngest president in the country's history, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and the political and economic developments that followed. He was sworn in as president, succeeding Macky Sall, at a solemn ceremony in the new town of Diamniadio: a flagship project of the Sall presidency. His election was helped, among other circumstances, by the promise of a break with the previous "system", and the appointment of Ousmane Sonko as Prime Minister was a sign of this desire for "systemic" change. The newly-elected president's first speech focused on youth, institutional reform, justice and "virtuous" governance, particularly in the context of the future exploitation of oil and gas resources.

The composition of the government led by Ousmane Sonko highlights a tightly-knit team, marked by the notable presence of members of the Pastef movement, from which the Prime Minister hails. The appointment of two generals to key posts (Interior and Defense) also drew mixed reactions, as did the minimalist presence of just 4 women. The death of Mahammed Boun Abdallah Dionne, former Prime Minister and presidential candidate, also marked the month of April, while providing an opportunity for a "republican" display for the Prime Minister, who presided over the funeral ceremony, alongside illustrious individuals from the regime defeated by PASTEF.

On the economic front, the new president ordered an economic and financial review of the country, with a focus on economic recovery and reducing public spending. The resumption of the maritime link between Dakar and Ziguinchor was welcomed by the Casamance region, while a record cocaine seizure was made in the east of the country.

The preservation of the country's heritage also received particular attention, with the suspension of an auction of the library of Léopold Sédar Senghor, former president and poet of Senegal.

In addition, as he reserved his first visits for Touba and Tivaouane (the two main capitals of the influential brotherhoods), the President announced the creation of a Department of Religious Affairs and the Integration of Arab Education Graduates. This new entity, which will report to the Presidency, will bring together offices previously under the separate responsibility of the Ministry of the Interior and National Education.

On the international scene, Bassirou Diomaye Faye made his first foreign visit to Mauritania, emphasizing the importance of relations with neighboring countries, as well as the future joint exploitation of gas resources. His visit to Gambia was part of a drive to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations, on which the definitive resolution of the crisis in Casamance largely depends. Finally, his diplomatic meeting in Guinea-Bissau at the end of the month provided an opportunity to discuss border issues, security and Chinese fisheries.

On the diplomatic front, the Senegalese President called for a "rethought" partnership with the European Union, highlighting the country's economic development priorities, while continuing official visits such as the one to Côte d'Ivoire, where President Faye will meet President Alassane Ouattara, one of the deans of ECOWAS.