Even before Mr Wade's concession, thousands of Sall supporters began celebrating on the streets of Dakar.

BBC: Macky Sall Senegal election win 'example for Africa'

At exactly the same moment, Sall came through, her eyes bleary, an odd, faraway look on her face.

NEWYORKER: The Cold Outside

President Macky Sall meanwhile visited the scene of the fire along with senior government officials on Monday and promised to tackle the long-standing issue of Koranic schools.

BBC: Senegal fire at Koranic school kills nine children

For many years, Senegal resisted putting Mr Habre on trial but it has changed its position under new President Macky Sall.

BBC: Mahamat Djibrine: Chadians hail ex-police chief's arrest

While Sall made herself busy in the kitchen, I would sit in the dining room with the paper spread out on the table, or I would listen to the radio, staring out at the garden and fiddling with the dials to get a better signal.

NEWYORKER: The Cold Outside

It had become more frequent of late, this coming home and knowing that Sall was asleep somewhere, the magazine she had been reading slipped to the floor, a mug of tea cooling on a side table.

NEWYORKER: The Cold Outside