Bassirou Diomaye Faye is a Senegalese politician and former tax inspector who recently won the 2024 presidential election in Senegal, becoming the President-elect.
He was endorsed by Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure, after Sonko was disqualified from the race.
Faye, born on March 25, 1980, has a background in law and administration, having graduated from the National School of Administration.
He is associated with the dissolved PASTEF party and has been actively involved in politics, advocating for job creation, anti-corruption measures and a review of energy contracts.
Faye’s rise to prominence includes a period of imprisonment on charges related to social media posts critical of the judicial system.
His policies focus on economic sovereignty, fighting corruption and renegotiating contracts, including those in the energy sector.
Faye’s victory marks a significant political shift in Senegal, with expectations of addressing unemployment and implementing reforms.
Nationality | Senegalese |
Date of birth | March 25, 1980 |
Political party | Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l'Ethique et la Fraternité (PASTEF) |
Profession | Politician, former tax inspector |
Background and early life
Faye has a diverse background and early life that shaped his political journey.
He completed his baccalaureate in 2000 and later earned a master’s degree in law.
Faye then successfully passed competitive exams to enroll at the National School of Administration (ENA) and the magistracy in 2004, choosing a career as a tax inspector in the Tax and Estates department.
His close relationship with Ousmane Sonko, another prominent figure in Senegalese politics, began to flourish in 2014 within the Taxes and Estates Union created by Sonko.
Faye campaigned for facilitating homeownership for tax and property agents during his tenure as the head of the union.
Over time, he transitioned from being a guest at PASTEF’s founding to becoming a key figure within the party, playing a significant role in designing Sonko’s program for the 2019 presidential candidacy where Sonko secured almost 16% of the vote and came third.
Faye’s early life and educational background laid the foundation for his political career and eventual rise to becoming the President-elect of Senegal.
Educational background
Faye’s educational background includes his enrollment at the Ecole Nationale de l’Administration (ENA) and passing the magistracy exams in 2004.
This educational path equipped him with the necessary knowledge in law and administration, laying the foundation for his career as a tax inspector and eventual transition into politics alongside Ousmane Sonko.
Faye’s academic journey reflects his commitment to public service and governance, shaping his understanding of financial systems and regulatory frameworks essential for his role in both the tax sector and political landscape.
Early political career
Faye’s early political career was marked by his close association with Sonko.
Faye played a significant role in the Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Ethique et la Fraternité (PASTEF) party, which he co-founded with Sonko in 2014.
Despite never holding elected office before, Faye actively engaged in politics advocating for profound change, left-wing pan-Africanism and national sovereignty.
His involvement in the trade union and the creation of the PASTEF party showcased his commitment to reform and anti-corruption measures.
Faye’s journey from a modest rural background to becoming a key figure in Senegalese politics highlights his dedication to challenging the status quo and promoting a fairer distribution of wealth within the country
What was Bassirou Diomaye Faye doing before joining politics?
Before delving into politics, Faye pursued a career as a tax inspector in Senegal’s Tax and Estates department.
His professional journey began with his enrollment at the National School of Administration (ENA) and the magistracy exams in 2004, where he honed his skills in law and administration.
Faye’s dedication to public service led him to work within the tax sector, demonstrating a commitment to fiscal matters and governance.
His experience as a tax inspector equipped him with a deep understanding of financial systems and regulatory frameworks, laying the groundwork for his transition into the realm of politics alongside Sonko.
This background in tax inspection not only provided Faye with a solid foundation in administrative processes but also instilled in him a sense of civic duty and a desire to bring about change within Senegal’s governance structures.
Political breakthrough
Faye’s political breakthrough occurred during the 2024 Senegalese presidential election, where he emerged as the President-elect.
His journey to this pivotal moment was marked by significant events, including his endorsement by Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition figure, after Sonko was disqualified from the race.
Faye’s rise to prominence was further propelled by his release from prison on March 14, just days before the election, under an amnesty law.
Despite never holding elected office before, Faye’s victory signifies a shift in Senegalese politics, with his anti-establishment stance and promises of profound change resonating with voters.
His unexpected win, securing more than 50% of the vote in a field of 18 candidates, reflects the desire for a new political direction in Senegal.
Faye’s triumph not only represents a personal achievement but also symbolizes a significant moment in Senegalese politics, ushering in a new era under his leadership.
Imprisonment and release
Faye faced imprisonment as part of a broader political crisis in Senegal.
He was under preventive detention since April last year, accused of contempt of court and calling for insurrection.
Faye’s imprisonment was part of a series of arrests and legal actions against opposition figures, including Sonko, who was also detained on various charges.
The situation escalated when President Macky Sall postponed the February 25 presidential election, leading to unrest and clashes in the country.
However, Faye’s release came after weeks of tension and crisis.
President Sall proposed a bill granting amnesty for acts related to political demonstrations since 2021, aiming to defuse the situation.
This amnesty law paved the way for the release of Faye and Sonko, who were both key opposition leaders detained ahead of the election.
Their release marked a significant development in Senegal’s political landscape, with supporters celebrating their freedom and anticipating their participation in the upcoming election.
Relationship with Ousmane Sonko
Faye’s friendship with Sonko, a prominent opposition figure in Senegal, is deeply rooted in their shared political journey and common goals.
Faye co-founded the Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Ethique et la Fraternité (PASTEF) party with Sonko in 2014.
Their bond strengthened over the years as they worked together within the party, advocating for change, anti-corruption measures and social justice.
Faye’s loyalty to Sonko was evident when Sonko endorsed him as his replacement in the 2024 presidential election after Sonko was disqualified from running.
Despite facing challenges, including imprisonment, both Faye and Sonko remained united in their commitment to challenging the status quo and bringing about significant reforms in Senegal.
Their friendship transcends mere political alliances, reflecting a shared vision for a better future for Senegal, characterized by transparency, fairness, and a strong stance against corruption and injustice.
Personal life
It is widely reported that Faye has two wives, namely Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye.
Marie Khone, according to Wikipedia, is a close relative of her husband, have four children together, three boys and a girl.
He has not had any children with Absa.