Senegal President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye has taken everyone by surprise with a very unusual decision he just made.
The Africa’s youngest elected president ordered military and civilian authorities not to greet him again when he is at the airport going for official trips.
According to the president, he made the decision because he wants things to be ‘simpler and faster’.
Faye added that he doesn’t want important people mobilized just to welcome him at the airport because, in his own opinion, he thinks these people have more important things to do.
The newly elected leader added that from now on, he would arrive and depart from the airport without any fuss. No formal greetings, no ceremonies, just him and his team.
This latest development aims to save time for executives who were often mobilized to welcome him. They will now be able to go about their business rather than waiting for the president at the airport.
How Faye Became Senegal’s President
On March 24, 2024, Bassirou Diomaye Faye became the youngest elected president in the history of Senegal at just 44 years of age. Faye subsequently entered office on his birthday on March 25.
His story is truly remarkable, given that just six months ago, Faye was still in the shadow of his former mentor, opposition leader, and former presidential candidate, Ousmane Sonko.
Faye completed his education in 2000 at Lycée Demba Diop in Mbour, a coastal town located 80 km away from Dakar, the capital of Senegal. He pursued his law studies at Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar (UCAD) and successfully obtained a master’s degree in 2004. In the same year, Faye enrolled at the National School of Administration of Senegal (ENA). After completing his studies at ENA in 2007, he joined the General Directorate of Taxes and Domains in Senegal as a tax inspector.
His dedication to social causes and his active involvement prompted him to become a member of the Autonomous Union of Tax and Domain Agents. Faye swiftly rose to prominence within the union, assuming the role of secretary general. It was during this phase that he crossed paths with Ousmane Sonko, an encounter that profoundly transformed both his life and perspective.
Faye’s Political Involvement
Although largely politically inactive at first, Faye joined Sonko in politics in 2014 by creating African Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics and Fraternity (PASTEF), a party of which Sonko was the leader and Faye a vital member.
The transition occurred gradually, yet it still managed to catch him somewhat off guard.
In April 2023, Faye was arrested and detained for spreading false news, defamation, and criticizing magistrates in the Sonko trial.
In July 2023, Sonko was convicted of rape and defamation. However, their stint in prison did nothing to change the approach of the Faye–Sonko duo, who stepped up their negotiations from behind bars to ensure their chances of standing in the March 2024 presidential elections.
The Road To The Presidency
Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who has never held a ministerial position or been elected to municipal or legislative office in his country, is now the leader of a nation of over 18 million citizens that serves as a model of democracy in West Africa. The rise of the PASTEF party and Faye isn’t just an example of young people’s determination and commitment but is also an example of democracy for other West African countries.
Today, it is impossible to talk about Bassirou Diomaye Faye as president without mentioning Ousmane Sonko, often known as the kingmaker.
Senegalese citizens and political analysts are eagerly anticipating the role that Ousmane Sonko will assume in the upcoming phase of the country, alongside his close associate, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who he will now address as President.
