Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who emerged victorious in Senegal’s presidential election held on March 24, is set to assume office in April. Initially entering the race as the main opposition candidate, Faye stepped up after his mentor, the widely admired Ousmane Sonko, was disqualified by the courts due to prior convictions.
Ahead of the election on March 22, 2024, Faye took a bold step by publicly disclosing his complete assets on his official Facebook page, challenging the other 18 contenders to do the same.
However, none of them accepted the challenge. The assets he disclosed included two houses and two cars, all acquired during his tenure in public service, as well as two bank accounts. He also revealed his involvement in farming and acknowledged owing a debt to a friend who had provided a loan for his agricultural investment.
This display of transparency by the 44-year-old has earned him widespread acclaim on social media even before he officially takes over from the outgoing president, Macky Sall.
Here are some key facts about Senegal’s president-elect:
- He was released from jail on March 16 along with Ousmane Sonko.
- Faye and Sonko are leaders of the Patriotes Africains du Sénégal pour le Travail, l’Ethique et la Fraternité (Pastef), a party that was dissolved in July 2023.
- He spent 335 days in pre-trial detention on charges including contempt of court and incitement to insurrection.
- Faye celebrated his 44th birthday on March 25, 2024, the day he was declared the winner of the election.
- In 2014, at the age of 34, he played a significant role in the creation of Pastef.
- He became one of the chief architects of Sonko’s presidential campaign in 2019, which garnered significant support.
- President Macky Sall, the ruling party candidate Amadou Ba, and other opponents have extended their congratulations to him.
- Faye is set to become the fifth president of Senegal, known for its stability and absence of military interventions since independence.
- He is noted to have two wives, a detail that has stirred considerable reactions on social media.
In his victory speech posted on social media, Faye outlined four immediate priorities:
- National reconciliation and the restoration of social cohesion.
- Reinforcement of institutions.
- Substantial reduction in the cost of living to alleviate daily burdens.
- Nationwide inclusive consultations on the evaluation and revitalization of public policies.
He concluded by expressing his commitment to unity and progress, declaring, “We will walk together, act together, and succeed together! Long live Senegal; Long live the Republic; Long live Africa.”
