Bassirou Diomaye Faye: From Senegalese prisoner to Africa's youngest elected president
From the humble beginnings in the small village of Ndiaganiao in west-central Senegal to the pinnacle of political leadership, the journey of Bassirou Diomaye Faye is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born on March 25, 1980, Faye, became not only the youngest head of state in Senegal's history but also the youngest democratically elected leader in the history of Africa.
Faye's ascension to the presidency began when he was released from prison on March 14, 2024, after serving over 11 months for a social media post deemed subversive by the Senegalese government.
The very next day, he made his first public appearance as a presidential contender, marking a new chapter in his life.
The presidential election, originally scheduled for February, was postponed by outgoing President Macky Sall, who had completed two terms and was constitutionally barred from a third. Despite the delays and speculation, the electoral process eventually took place on March 24, 2024.
Faye's campaign was propelled forward by the endorsement of the founder of PASTEF Ousmane Sonko, a man who had gained popularity after his 2019 presidential run.
Sonko’s support ignited a groundswell of support among Senegal's youth, resonating with Faye's promises to create jobs and his strong stance against corruption.
"In electing me, the Senegalese people have decided on a break with a past... I promise to govern with humility and transparency," Faye told journalists in his first public appearance after the election.
His main rival, ruling party candidate Amadou Ba, gracefully conceded defeat before the electoral commission announced the final results of the election, acknowledging Faye's triumph in the first round of voting on March 25.
Even President Macky Sall extended his congratulations to the President-elect, hailing the election as a triumph of Senegalese democracy.
At just 44 years old, the former tax inspector, who was relatively unknown just under a year ago is set to take the oath of office on April 2, 2024, to become Senegal's fifth president.
