Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye set to become Africa’s youngest democratically elected President

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Bassirou Diomaye Faye, at the age of 44, is poised to become Africa’s youngest democratically-elected President following his victory in the first round of Senegal’s presidential election on Sunday, March 24. His opponent, Amadou Ba, conceded defeat in a public statement, paving the way for Diomaye’s ascension to the presidency.

Diomaye’s journey to the presidency has been marked by highs and lows, including a period of incarceration just months before the election. Initially facing charges of defamation and contempt of court, he was released from jail just 10 days before the election.

Formerly a tax collector, Diomaye’s political career gained momentum when he aligned himself with Ousmane Sonko, a prominent opposition leader in Senegal. After Sonko’s arrest on charges of repeated rape, Diomaye assumed the role of general secretary of the PASTEF party in February 2021.

Despite facing legal challenges to his candidacy, including opposition from Sonko, Diomaye’s candidacy was ultimately approved by electoral authorities. Sonko endorsed Diomaye’s presidential bid, further solidifying his position within the political landscape.

Running under the slogan “Diomaye mooy Ousmane” (“Diomaye is Ousmane” in Wolof), Diomaye capitalized on Sonko’s popularity among Senegal’s youth to bolster his campaign. This strategic move proved successful, as Diomaye secured over 50% of the vote in the first round of the election, obviating the need for a runoff.

While official results from the national election body have yet to be disclosed, Ba’s concession came after local media reported Diomaye’s decisive victory. With his triumph, Diomaye Faye is set to assume the presidency, marking a significant milestone in Senegal’s political history.

7 thoughts on “Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye set to become Africa’s youngest democratically elected President

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