(Ecofin Agency) - Since Macky Sall reassured the Senegalese population that he was not running again for Presidency, the name of the man he would choose as his successor was awaited. It seems the President has now made up his mind.

The outgoing leader endorses the current Prime Minister Amadou Ba (pictured, left) to sit on his chair. "We have selected Mr. Amadou Ba, the current Prime Minister, as the candidate of Benno Bokk Yakaar (the ruling party) and the great presidential majority," Moustapha Niasse, President Macky Sall's High Representative, declared in a broadcast statement.

 "He could be a unifying leader beyond the coalition, and he also knows the Senegal Emergent Plan very well to ensure the pursuit of economic, social, and environmental policies," the Representative said, emphasizing the need for national unity after the high tensions that have emerged in the country recently.

Head of the Senegalese government since September 2022, Amadou Ba was already seen as the favorite to be Macky Sall's successor among the 11 or so candidates vying for this status. The 62-year-old is a close friend of the President, having also served as Foreign Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance.

The former tax inspector is considered to be experienced and well-versed in the various aspects of public administration. His main task will be to pursue major development and emergence projects, with oil and gas exploitation as early as 2024 in his sights.

While this appointment has received overall endorsement from the ruling coalition as "the coherent choice for victory in the first round," it has sparked dissent within the presidential party, the Alliance pour la République. Aly Ngouille Ndiaye, the Minister of Agriculture and another contender for the runner-up position resigned from the government following the decision and announced his candidacy on social media. Additionally, the party's socialists expressed their desire to field their candidate.

This stance contradicts President Macky Sall's message, who stated that "Amadou Ba's candidacy is the sole representative of Benno Bokk Yakaar" and issued a passionate call for unity.

Currently, there are 30 declared candidates for the Senegalese presidential election for February 2024. Their applications should be validated by year-end, following the sponsorship collection phase beginning in September.