Bassirou Diomaye Faye

Last updated

Marie Khone Faye
​
(m. 2009)​

Absa Faye
​
(m. 2023)​
His Excellency
Bassirou Diomaye Faye
Bassirou Diomaye Faye - 2024 (cropped).jpg
Faye in 2024
5th President of Senegal
Incumbent
Assumed office
2 April 2024
Children4
Alma mater National School of Administration, Dakar
Cheikh Anta Diop University
Occupation
  • Politician
  • tax officer

Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye (Wolof : Basiiru Jomaay Jaxaar Fay; born 25 March 1980), commonly known mononymously as Diomaye, is a Senegalese politician and former tax officer who is serving as the fifth and current president of Senegal since 2024. He is the general secretary of PASTEF, who won the 2024 Senegalese presidential election in place of disqualified candidate Ousmane Sonko, whom he later appointed as prime minister.

Contents

Early life

Faye was born on 25 March 1980 [1] in Ndiaganiao, in the western department of M'bour, Senegal. [2] He is a member of the Serer ethnic group from the noble Faye family. His middle name, "Diomaye", means "honourable" in Serer. [3] [4] Having had a traditional village upbringing, he has always claimed his rural origins, and "imbued himself with educational and social values typical of his land, Ndiaganiao, in Serer country". [5] [6] His father, Samba Faye, a long-time member of the Socialist Party of Senegal, is quoted with saying that his son grew up with left-wing ideals. His grandfather fought for France during World War I as a Senegalese Tirailleur, and later was jailed following a dispute with French colonial authorities over his efforts to establish a district high school in Ndianganao which Faye later attended. [7]

Education and early career

He went to primary school in his village and then undertook middle and high school in M'Bour. [8] In 2000, Faye earned his baccalaureate. He successfully attained a master's degree in law in Dakar's Cheikh Anta Diop University and subsequently cleared both competitive exams, enrolling at the National School of Administration of Senegal (ENA) and the magistracy in 2004. After graduation, Faye opted to become a tax inspector in the Tax and Estates department, where he befriended Ousmane Sonko, a fellow alumni from the same school. [2] In 2014, Faye and Sonko's relationship grew closer in the Taxes and Estates Union, created by Sonko, the leader of the newly founded political party PASTEF. During his time at the head of the union, Faye campaigned to facilitate homeownership for tax and property agents. [9]

Political career

Faye in 2020 Bassirou Diomaye Faye 2020.png
Faye in 2020

Initially a guest when PASTEF was founded, Faye swiftly ascended to become one of the most prominent figures within the party. [2] He would go on to become one of the ideologues and designers of Sonko's program for his candidacy in the 2019 Senegalese presidential election. Sonko gained almost 16% of the vote and came third. [9] In February 2021, Faye became the general secretary of PASTEF after Sonko was arrested, being accused of repeated rape by a massage parlor employee. As part of its strategy to win power, Faye attempted to unite the opposition for the 2022 elections, winning 56 seats under the alliance Liberate the People. [9] At the same time, Faye ran unsuccessfully to become mayor of Ndianganao. [10]

Imprisonment and release

On 14 April 2023, Faye was apprehended as he exited his tax and property office on Rue de Thiong in Dakar. Subsequently, he was placed under police custody for charges including "spreading false news, contempt of court, and defamation of a constituted body" following a social media post he made. In this post, he denounced the perceived injustice within the judicial system, foreseeing a verdict that could potentially disqualify Sonko in a legal dispute between PASTEF and the Minister of Tourism, Mame Mbaye Niang  [ fr ]. As the situation progressed, additional charges of "incitement to insurrection" and "undermining state security" were brought against him, resulting in an indefinite period of detention. [9]

After an attempt by incumbent president Macky Sall in February 2024 to postpone the elections, citing unresolved disputes over who could run, widespread protests erupted and the Constitutional Council of Senegal overturned the postponement. [11] In response to the protests and overturning, Sall said that he would leave office as scheduled on 2 April, setting the election date on 24 March. [12] He also expressed his willingness to release Sonko, Faye and all their supporters as an act of good faith. [13] At the end of February, the government tabled an amnesty bill to calm the social and political unrest. [14] Several hundred political prisoners were released by the government, [15] and on 14 March, days before the election, Sonko and Faye were both released from prison. [16]

Presidential campaign

Faye in 2023 Diomaye Faye entretien (cropped).jpg
Faye in 2023

After uncertainty over the possibility of Sonko being a candidate in the presidential election, PASTEF endorsed Faye in November 2023 as its candidate for the 2024 presidential election, despite him being detained. However, PASTEF had been banned several months earlier, meaning he was running as an independent. [17] On 20 January 2024, the Senegalese Constitutional Council published the final list of candidates for the presidential election and Sonko did not appear there after several legal battles. Faye's candidacy was validated because he was never convicted although remaining detained. Sonko quickly announced his support to Faye for the election. [18]

On 15 March 2024, a day after Faye's release from jail, he gathered hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender. [19] Former president Abdoulaye Wade and his Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) endorsed Faye on the same day, in a boost to his chances of winning election. The move came after PDS candidate Karim Wade was disqualified from contesting the race because he was a dual citizen at the time he submitted his candidacy. [20] Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, another candidate in the presidential election, withdrew in favor of Faye. [21]

During the presidential campaign, he promised to create jobs, campaigned strongly against corruption, and vowed to reexamine energy contracts. [22] He ran under the slogan "Diomaye mooy Ousmane", which means "Diomaye is Ousmane" in Wolof, and expressed hope that Sonko's charisma and popular appeal among Senegal's youth would boost his campaign. [23] Faye's program was similar with Sonko's for 2019. [9] During the campaign, Faye released a declaration of his assets and called on other candidates to follow suit. [24]

Faye was elected president after an election campaign that was marred by an attempt by the government to postpone the election, which was ultimately held on 24 March. Faye received over 54% of the vote, [25] making him the first opposition candidate to have won an election in the first round since Senegal's independence in 1960. [26]

Presidency (2024–present)

Faye was formally inaugurated as president on 2 April. In his inaugural address, he pledged to fight corruption and reform the economy. [27] His first official act was to appoint Sonko as Prime Minister of Senegal, [28] who formally presented his government on 5 April. [29]

On 3 April, Faye ordered an audit of the mining, oil, and gas sector, but insisted that investors were "welcome in Senegal." [30]

On 25 April, Faye made his first foreign visit as President to Mauritania, where he met with President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in Nouakchott. [31] On 25 May he met with Guinea's military leader Mamady Doumbouya during his visit to the latter country. On 30 May, he met with Assimi Goita, the leader of the ruling junta of Mali during a visit to Bamako. Faye had previously expressed his intention to bring back Mali, as well as the military-ruled states of Burkina Faso and Niger to ECOWAS. [32]

On 12 September, Faye dissolved the National Assembly and ordered snap elections for the chamber on 17 November. He had previously been in conflict with the legislature and accused the latter of blocking his proposed reforms and budget. [33] PASTEF won the elections by a landslide. [34]

Political positions

Faye says he believes in system change and left-wing pan-Africanism to reclaim Senegal's sovereignty, which some analysts believe is an allusion to intentions to distance the country away from Western powers, especially from the former French colonial empire. [23] He also vowed to fight "French economic stranglehold" over Senegal if elected. [9]

Constitutional reforms

Faye has promised to reduce presidential powers and reintroduce the vice presidency. [35]

Corruption reform

Faye has claimed to prioritise fighting political corruption if he is elected president, saying: "No country can develop when corruption and embezzlement of public funds are endemic." [22]

Currency

Faye wants to stop the circulation of the CFA franc in Senegal, remove it as its official currency, and create a new national currency. In his program, he states: "We will carry out a monetary reform that will allow our country to have its own currency." [2] In a press conference, he added: "There's no sovereignty if there is no monetary sovereignty." [36] After concern from foreign investors, in March 2023 he said that "Senegal will seek to implement a reform of the CFA franc at a regional level first and if that fails, will consider creating a national currency." [36]

Energy

Faye believes in the renegotiation of contracts between the government and corporations in sectors ranging from energy to mining and fishing. He has also pledged to equally distribute profits out of a gas field that is expected to start production in 2024. [35]

ECOWAS

he wants to keep Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso in ECOWAS, all while recognizing the Alliance of Sahel States, in response to the security context in the Alliance of Sahel States. [37]

Military

Faye aims to enhance the reputation and integrity of the defense and security forces through a concerted effort to combat corruption and inefficiency. This initiative seeks to ensure the optimal use of resources by implementing programs aimed at boosting the morale, motivation, and oversight of officers. Additionally, there's a commitment to raise the salaries of lower-ranking personnel. His program pledges to uphold the core identity of the Armed Forces of Senegal by advocating for a return to military principles, preventing their involvement in political affairs. Furthermore, the plan includes bolstering the air capabilities of the army through the procurement of strategic transport aircraft, such as the C-130, to fulfill external commitments effectively. [2]

Judicial

Faye believes in the separation of powers, so that there should be no ties between the executive and the judiciary. His plan involves transitioning from the Senegalese Constitutional Council to a constitutional court, positioning it as the apex of the judicial structure. Additionally, in a bid to enhance accountability and fortify oversight mechanisms, he proposes abolishing political funds and substituting them with special funds allocated by the National Assembly for critical operations, such as arms procurement and clandestine missions. Furthermore, legislation will be introduced to safeguard whistleblowers, aligning with the principles outlined in the law on transparency in finance management in the public sector. [2]

Language

Faye has pledged to have indigenous languages of Senegal used as the primary language of instruction in schools. Since becoming president, he has had his official speeches delivered in Wolof and French. [38]

Personal life

Faye is polygamous and has two wives: Marie Khone Faye and Absa Faye. [39] Marie Khone is a close relative of her husband, and together they have had four children: three boys and one girl. He has not had any children with Absa. [40] Faye married Marie in 2009 and Absa in 2023. [41] He has named one of his sons after Ousmane Sonko, in honor of their close friendship. [9] He also has a sister. [10]

According to his declaration of assets that he released during his presidential campaign in 2024, Faye possesses a house in Dakar, as well as land outside the capital and in Ndiaganiao. [6] [24]

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References

  1. ↑ Maclean, Ruth (25 March 2024). "Young Opposition Candidate Set to Become Senegal's President". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Bassirou Diomaye Faye: what's Senegal opposition contender about?". African Press Agency. 11 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  3. ↑ France 24. "Le nouveau président sénégalais Bassirou Diomaye Faye promet un "changement systémique." AFP, John Wessels (02 April 2024). (retrieved 13 April 2024)
  4. ↑ Jeune Afrique, "Bassirou Diomaye Faye : candidat éclair, président surprise." By Marième Soumaré (29 March 2024 (retrieved 13 April 2024)
  5. ↑ "Bassirou Diomaye Faye : qui est le 5e président élu du Sénégal ?". BBC News Afrique (in French). 18 March 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  6. 1 2 "'We are finally free': Senegal hails new anti-establishment president". The Guardian. 27 March 2024. ISSN   0261-3077. Archived from the original on 29 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
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  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kane, Coumba; Théa Ollivier (23 March 2024). "Senegal's presidential election: Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Ousmane Sonko's Plan B". Le Monde . Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
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  14. ↑ "Senegal's Macky Sall proposes amnesty bill to calm election-linked turmoil". France 24. 27 February 2024. Archived from the original on 27 February 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
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  17. ↑ Dione, Babacar (19 November 2023). "Senegal opposition party sponsoring new candidate Faye after court blocks jailed leader Sonko's bid". AP News. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
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  19. ↑ Christensen, Sofia; Bate Felix (16 March 2024). "Freed from jail, Senegal opposition presidential candidate draws hundreds to first event". Reuters.
  20. ↑ "Senegal's ex-President Wade and party back opposition candidate Faye". Reuters. 22 March 2024.
  21. ↑ "Presidential election in Senegal: Cheikh Tidiane Dieye calls to vote for Bassirou Diomaye Faye". Jeuneafrique. Archived from the original on 21 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  22. 1 2 Princewill, Nimi (23 March 2024). "Senegal goes to the polls as country's once sturdy democracy looks shaky". CNN. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  23. 1 2 "Senegal Elections 2024: Faye and his change mantra". TRT Africa. 21 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  24. 1 2 "Diomaye Faye: Senegal's tax inspector and former inmate headed for the presidential palace". Africanews . 27 March 2024. Archived from the original on 30 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
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  28. ↑ "Senegal president names opposition leader Ousmane Sonko as PM". France 24. 3 April 2024. Archived from the original on 3 April 2024. Retrieved 3 April 2024.
  29. ↑ "Senegal's youngest-ever president appoints 'breakaway' government". France 24. 6 April 2024. Archived from the original on 6 April 2024. Retrieved 6 April 2024.
  30. ↑ "Senegal's newly elected president announces audit of oil, gas and mining sectors". France 24. 4 April 2024. Archived from the original on 5 April 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
  31. ↑ "Senegal's Faye makes first foreign visit as president to Mauritania". France 24. 25 April 2024. Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  32. ↑ "Senegal's Faye makes first visit to military-ruled Mali and Burkina Faso". France 24. 30 May 2024. Retrieved 30 May 2024.
  33. ↑ "Senegal's president dissolves parliament to call a snap legislative election". Associated Press. 12 September 2024. Retrieved 13 September 2024.
  34. ↑ Hoije, Katarina (21 November 2024). "Senegal's Faye Wins Parliamentary Landslide to Usher in Reforms". Bloomberg. Retrieved 23 November 2024.
  35. 1 2 Pietromarchi, Virginia (13 March 2024). "Tax inspectors to poultry boss: Senegal's presidential candidates". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 14 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  36. 1 2 "Senegal opposition leader backs off promise to create national currency". Reuters. 15 March 2024. Archived from the original on 17 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  37. ↑ "Africa The Sahel Senegal 'making progress' convincing military regimes in Sahel to remain with Ecowas". www.rfi.fr. 9 December 2024. Retrieved 13 December 2021.
  38. ↑ "In Senegal, the bastion of the region's Francophonie, French is giving way to local languages". Associated Press. 6 October 2024. Retrieved 6 October 2024.
  39. ↑ Biallo, Babou (25 March 2024). "Bassirou Diomaye Faye: ses deux épouses Marie Khone et Absa Faye". PressAfrik . Archived from the original on 25 March 2024. Retrieved 27 March 2024.
  40. ↑ "En route vers le Palais : Voici les femmes de Bassirou Diomaye Faye". Xalima (in French). 22 March 2024. Archived from the original on 27 March 2024. Retrieved 23 March 2024.
  41. ↑ "Senegal's incoming president to take office with two first ladies". France 24. 1 April 2024. Archived from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
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2024–present		Incumbent
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