Bassirou Diomaye Faye, 44, has emerged as Senegal’s President-elect after an unprecedented victory in the presidential election on Sunday, March 24, 2024.
Here are ten things you need to know about Bassirou Faye
- Early Life: Born on March 25, 1980, in Ndiaganiao, Senegal
- Education Journey: Graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2000 and earned a master’s degree in law. Later, passed exams to join the National School of Administration (ENA) and the magistracy in 2004.
- Career Path: Became a tax inspector in the Tax and Estates department, where he met Sonko, a former schoolmate.
- Family Life: Married to two wives, Marie Khone and Absa, with four children.
- Political Affiliation: Former General-Secretary of PASTEF, a political party founded by Ousmane Sonko in 2014.
- Legal Troubles: Arrested on April 14, 2023, for charges related to a social media post, spent over 11 months in prison.
- Presidential Endorsement: Endorsed by Sonko as a presidential candidate in November 2023.
- Triumphant Return: Released just ten days before the presidential election, Faye made a successful bid for the presidency.
- Public Debut: Held his first public appearance as a presidential contender on March 15, 2024.
- Historic Victory: Elected as Senegal’s President on March 24, 2024, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape
