List of Presidents of Senegal: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Senegal from 1960 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Senegal, former leaders, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Senegal: Bassirou Diomaye Faye (in office since 2024).

Presidents of Senegal in order, with years in office

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.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Senegal

Who is the current president of Senegal?

The current president of Senegal is Bassirou Diomaye Faye, in office since 2024.

Who were the previous presidents of Senegal?

The presidents and heads of state of Senegal listed on this page, in order, are: Léopold Sédar Senghor, Abdou Diouf, Abdoulaye Wade, Macky Sall, Bassirou Diomaye Faye.

Who was the first president of Senegal?

Léopold Sédar Senghor was the first president of Senegal, in office 1960–1980.

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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