In a stunning turn of events, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, a relatively unknown figure in global politics until recently, is set to become Africa’s youngest president. His extraordinary journey to the presidency has been nothing short of a rollercoaster, marking a new chapter in Senegalese politics.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye: The Unexpected Candidate
Faye, a tax collector and husband to two wives, never envisioned a career in politics. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he found himself in jail alongside Ousmane Sonko, a key figure in Senegalese politics. Their release, just a week before the presidential election, was the start of Faye’s unexpected rise to power.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye: A Man of the People
Known for his methodical approach and modest demeanor, Faye is often described as “Mr. Clean”. He fondly remembers his rural upbringing in Ndiaganiao and maintains a deep connection with his roots, returning every Sunday to work the land. This love for village life is mirrored in his distrust of Senegal’s elites and establishment politics.
A New Era for Senegal
Faye’s critics question his lack of political experience, but he views this as an advantage. He believes that the insiders who have run the country since 1960 have made some catastrophic failures. His agenda is clear: fight poverty, injustice, and corruption.
During his tenure at the Treasury, Faye and Sonko created a union taskforce to tackle graft. He plans to renegotiate gas, oil, fishing, and defense deals to better serve the Senegalese people. Faye is ushering in an era of “sovereignty” and “rupture”, a stark contrast to the status quo.
Breaking Ties with France
One of Faye’s most significant promises is to drop the much-criticized CFA franc currency, which is pegged to the euro and backed by former colonial power France. He plans to replace it with a new Senegalese, or regional West African, currency. This move, however, will not be easy and will require careful budget management.
Priorities and Challenges
Strengthening judicial independence and creating jobs for Senegal’s large young population are also key priorities for Faye. These are areas that outgoing President Macky Sall paid little attention to, according to former Prime Minister Aminata Touré.
Faye’s rise to power is indeed remarkable, considering he spent the last 11 months in prison on charges of insurrection. Despite this, he has garnered support from political heavyweights, including former President Abdoulaye Wade.
As Faye prepares to take office, the world watches with bated breath. His journey thus far has been extraordinary, and his presidency promises to be just as eventful.
