President Cyril Ramaphosa has congratulated President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on his election as the President of the Republic of Senegal.

The highly anticipated presidential election were held on Sunday, revealing Diomaye Faye as the winner with 54.28% of the votes.

Ramaphosa noted that the outcome of the election bears testimony to the “resilient spirit of the Senegalese people who preferred the democratic course of change of government, through voting”.

The President applauded the other contestants for displaying maturity in accepting the election outcome.

He said that South Africa and Senegal enjoy close political, trade and social relations deepened by strong historical ties rooted in the anti-apartheid struggle.

Ramaphosa has committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship between South Africa and Senegal.

“The Senegalese people have lighted a beacon which will usher in a new hope in the journey of rebuilding Africa by opting for peaceful change of government as opposed to violence,” said Ramaphosa.