Bassirou Diomaye Faye Biography: Age, Wiki, Education, Career, Senegal President Elect, Wives, Family, Net Worth
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Biography
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, commonly known as Diomaye, is a Senegalese politician and former tax inspector who became the President of Senegal on April 2, 2024. He’s the 5th president of Senegal and he contested anx won under the PASTEF political party.
Faye’s education includes a master’s degree in law from Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar and training at the National School of Administration of Senegal (ENA), where he became a tax inspector. He rose to prominence within PASTEF and became its general secretary after the arrest of Ousmane Sonko, the party’s founder.
Despite PASTEF being banned, Faye ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election and won, succeeding Macky Sall as president. His political career has been marked by efforts to unite the opposition and facilitate homeownership for tax and property agents.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Age
Bassirou Diomaye is 44 years as of 2024.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Early Life and Education
Bassirou Diomaye Faye was born on March 25, 1980, in Ndiaganiao, a small town in the Thiès region of Senegal. His formative years were spent in the nurturing environment of Ndiaganiao, where he attended Marie Médiatrice Catholic School, laying the foundation for his future endeavors.
Faye’s educational journey continued as he moved to Mbour for his middle and high school education. He attended Lycée Demba Diop, where he demonstrated academic excellence and graduated with his baccalaureate in 2000.
Upon completing his secondary education, Faye set his sights on higher education, enrolling at the prestigious Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar. There, he pursued a master’s degree in law, a field that would later play a significant role in his professional life.
In 2004, Faye’s academic achievements led him to the National School of Administration of Senegal (ENA), where he underwent rigorous training to become a tax inspector.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Career
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s professional journey began after graduating with a master’s degree in law, which led him to the National School of Administration of Senegal (ENA). There, he trained and qualified as a tax inspector, a role that would introduce him to the intricacies of the nation’s fiscal policies and governance.
Faye’s early career was marked by his work in the Tax and Estates department, where he not only applied his legal expertise but also formed a significant partnership with Ousmane Sonko, another ENA alum. Together, they were involved in the Taxes and Estates Union, which campaigned for homeownership among tax and property agents.
In 2014, Faye’s career took a turn towards politics when he joined the newly founded PASTEF party, led by Sonko. He quickly ascended to a leadership position within the party and played a crucial role as one of the ideologues and designers of Sonko’s program for the 2019 Senegalese presidential election. Although Sonko did not win, securing almost 16% of the vote, he established himself as a popular opposition figure.
Faye’s political career faced challenges, especially after Sonko’s arrest in 2021. Faye stepped up as the general secretary of PASTEF, navigating the party through turbulent times. His efforts to unite the opposition culminated in the alliance ‘Liberate the People,’ which won 56 seats in the subsequent elections.
The lead-up to the 2024 presidential election was fraught with uncertainty, particularly regarding Sonko’s eligibility as a candidate. Amidst this, PASTEF endorsed Faye as its candidate, despite the party being banned and Faye himself being detained. His candidacy was validated, and Sonko announced his support for Faye, who was released from jail shortly before the election.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Controversies
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s political career has been marked by several controversies. One significant incident occurred in April 2023, when he was arrested over a Facebook post. In the post, Faye criticized the government’s handling of the justice system, particularly in relation to legal issues involving Ousmane Sonko, who faced a rape charge that he denied and was later acquitted of.
Another controversy involved Faye’s comments about magistrates’ behavior in some of Sonko’s legal proceedings, which led to charges of defaming magistrates and contempt of court against him. Additionally, the government dissolved PASTEF, the political party with which Faye was associated, alleging that the party had held violent protests earlier that year and also in 2021.
Faye also faced a litany of charges, including disseminating false information, contempt of court, and defaming a constituted body through his social media posts.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Wives and Children
Bassirou Diomaye Faye is married to two wives, Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye. He married Marie Khone in 2009, and together they have four children: three boys and a girl. His second marriage to Absa Faye took place in 2023.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Net Worth
Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s net worth is estimated to around $2.5 million as of 2024.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye Social Media Handles
- Facebook: Bassirou Diomaye FayeÂ
- LinkedIn: Bassirou Diomaye FAYE
