From being apprehended and jailed on April 14, 2023, to his release on March 14,2024, Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s story will not be forgotten anytime soon after he entered the record books of African politics as one of the youngest president elects.
Born on March 25, 1980, there was no better way for Faye to turn 44, than how he did in 2024 after reportedly securing over 54 percent of the overall votes, out of 19 candidates who stood for the presidential elections.
Faye, who was his party’s General Secretary automatically became confirmed as presidential candidate when his predecessor and founder of the party – Ousmane Sonko, was declared ineligible following his detention and charges rape charges, pressed against him. In as much as Faye, was equally in police custody for almost a year, he didn’t face any charges, hence was eligible for to stand for elections. His party leader, Sonko did back him up.
While Africa awaits the official pronouncements of Senegal’s new president, it’s imperative to recall that Macky Sall, the incumbent president of Senegal, has served the country since 2012, but declared publicly that he wasn’t going to be running for office in 2024.
This decision came as surprise to many, but Sall, was intentional about his decision, even though the opposition leader – Ousmane Sonko didn’t lie down, as he continued mounting pressure on the outgoing president. While calling for more protest, he accused Sall for detaining his oppositions to prevent competition.
“Even if I have the right, I felt that my duty is not to contribute to destroying what I have built for this country,” Sall said. “I had said that the 2019 mandate was my last mandate. I know that this decision will come as a surprise to all those who have a friendship with me. Senegal is more than just me, it’s full of people capable of taking Senegal to the next level.” Sall’s words, reported by APNEWS
Faye became one of the youngest presidents in Africa. This could serve as an eye-opener for other African countries who’ve been stuck with one president in like forever. Despite Macky Sall’s decision to leave office amicably, the Senegalese population were ready to go bloody if the right thing wasn’t done. This was evident, when the incumbent president attempted to postpone the elections to a further date.
