10 things to know about Senegal’s youngest President, Bassirou Faye

Bassirou Diomaye Faye has emerged as Senegal’s President-elect, at 44 years old, after an unprecedented victory in the presidential election on Sunday, March 24, 2024.

Here are ten things you need to know about Bassirou Faye

1. Early Life: Born on March 25, 1980, in Ndiaganiao, Senegal.
2. 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.
3. Career Path: Became a tax inspector in the Tax and Estates department where he met Sonko, a former schoolmate.
4. Family Life: Married to two wives, Marie Khone and Absa, with four children.
5. Political Affiliation: Former General-Secretary of PASTEF, a political party founded by Ousmane Sonko in 2014.
6. Legal Troubles: Arrested on April 14, 2023, for charges related to a social media post, spent over 11 months in prison.
7. Presidential Endorsement: Endorsed by Sonko as a presidential candidate in November 2023.
8. Triumphant Return: Released just ten days before the presidential election, Faye made a successful bid for the presidency.
9. Public Debut: Held his first public appearance as a presidential contender on March 15, 2024.
10. Historic Victory: Elected as Senegal’s President on March 24, 2024, marking a significant moment in the country’s political landscape