Presidents of Senegal

Below are notable presidents of Senegal in chronological order, with the years each served and a brief summary.

Léopold Sédar Senghor

Served: 1960–1980

Poet and first president of independent Senegal; he stepped down on 31 December 1980.

Abdou Diouf

Served: 1981–2000

Succeeded Senghor and won elections in 1983, 1988 and 1993 before leaving office in April 2000.

Abdoulaye Wade

Served: 2000–2012

Long-time opposition leader who won the 2000 election; his bid for a third term in 2012 was controversial and he lost to Macky Sall.

Macky Sall

Served: 2012–2024

Served from April 2012 to April 2024; the presidential term was shortened from seven to five years by a 2016 referendum.

Bassirou Diomaye Faye

Served: 2024–present

Took office on 2 April 2024 at age 44, representing the PASTEF party.

Sources: Wikipedia, President of Senegal and List of presidents of Senegal; Archontology and Wikidata-based lists (checked Nov 2026). Senegal has had five presidents since 1960.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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