44-year-old Bassirou Diomaye Faye is the fifth and current president of Senegal, having taken office on April 2, 2024.
A former tax inspector and member of the PASTEF party, he won the presidential election with over 54% of the vote, marking a significant political shift in Senegal.
Faye campaigned on an anti-corruption platform and pledged economic reforms, leveraging the popularity of his predecessor Ousmane Sonko.
His presidency has faced challenges, including calls for a snap election to address legislative deadlocks.
Education
Faye received his early education in Ndiaganiao, Senegal, before attending Lycée Demba Diop in Mbour, where he graduated in 2000.
He earned a master’s degree in law from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and later trained at the National School of Administration of Senegal, specializing as a tax inspector.
Early career
Faye began his professional journey as a tax inspector after graduating from the National School of Administration of Senegal in 2007.
His work as a tax inspector led him to become actively involved in labor unions, where he rose to prominence within the Autonomous Union of Tax and Domain Agents.
Serving as the secretary general of this union, Faye advocated for the rights and welfare of tax officials, gaining respect and recognition for his leadership skills.
Later career
In 2014, Faye co-founded the political party PASTEF (Patriots of Senegal for Ethics, Work, and Fraternity) alongside Ousmane Sonko.
The party quickly gained traction among young voters and those disillusioned with traditional politics, with its platform emphasizing social justice, accountability, and public service reform.
Faye played a crucial role in the party’s strategies during elections, leveraging his experience as a tax inspector to articulate economic issues effectively, which resonated with voters.
His political career took a significant turn in 2023 when he was arrested during protests supporting Ousmane Sonko amid rising political tensions in Senegal.
Incarceration and winning presidency
In April 2023, Faye was arrested for contempt of court and defamation while defending his ally, Sonko, amid political turmoil in Senegal.
Despite being in prison just ten days before the election, Faye was nominated as the PASTEF party’s candidate for the presidency after Sonko was barred from running due to legal issues.
On March 24, 2024, Faye won the presidential election with over 54% of the vote, becoming Senegal’s youngest president at age 44.
His campaign capitalized on Sonko’s popularity and focused on anti-corruption and economic reforms, resonating particularly with younger voters.
Faye’s victory signifies a significant shift in Senegalese politics, showcasing resilience against adversity and the potential for change within the country’s leadership landscape.
