Bally Bagayoko won the municipal election for La France insoumise (LFI) in Saint-Denis, the second largest city in Île-de-France, beating the socialist Mathieu Hanotin, a key figure in local politics during the 2024 Olympics. In Africa, the election of this mayor of Malian origin is of interest.
“Bally Bagayoko, a French ‘Obama’ in the making?” titles Financial Afrik, while Mali Actu considers the election of the new mayor of the city of Saint-Denis to be “historic in France.”
On the other hand, the Senegalese Press Agency (APS) paints a picture of the new mayor of Saint-Denis. The APS describes a mayor who arrived in France at the age of five, from a large family and who “grew up in the working-class neighborhoods of the town he will now administer.” With a degree in geopolitics from Paris-8 University, the new mayor of Saint-Denis has notable experience in municipal affairs, added the press agency.
A victory that Senenews deems to be “an important political symbol” in a city long seen as a historic stronghold of the communist movement.
“Dignified son of Koulikoro”
In Mali, like Mali Actu, it is emphasized that Bally Bakayoko, who “takes the reins of Saint-Denis,” is originally from Koulikoro, a city northwest of Bamako, on the left bank of the Niger River. The Malian title describes him as a “dignified son of Koulikoro,” specifying that the new mayor of Saint-Denis is from the village of Gouni in the Koulikoro region.
On the other hand, the website of the radio station Studio Tamani believes that his election symbolizes “the success of an increasingly present Malian diaspora on the international scene.” This election is hailed “as a source of pride for Koulikoro and for Malians living abroad,” rejoices the title Maliko News.
“Beyond the French political scene, this victory resonates strongly in Koulikoro. It embodies the hope, perseverance, and success of a diaspora that continues to proudly represent its homeland,”
