Idrissa Seck facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Idrissa Seck
Seck in 2024
Mayor of Thiès
In office 2002–2014
Preceded by	Talla Faye
Succeeded by	Talla Sylla
Prime Minister of Senegal
In office 4 November 2002 – 21 July 2004
President	Abdoulaye Wade
Preceded by	Mame Madior Boye
Succeeded by	Macky Sall
Personal details
Born	(1959-08-09) 9 August 1959 (age 65) Thiès, Senegal
Political party	Rewmi
Other political affiliations	PDS (until 2006)
Spouse	Ndèye Penda Tall

Idrissa Seck (born August 9, 1959) is a Senegalese politician. He served as the Prime Minister of Senegal from November 2002 to July 2004. He was once a top member of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and was seen as a close ally of President Abdoulaye Wade. Later, he became an opposition leader and ran for president in 2007. He finished second in that election.

Early Life and Education

Idrissa Seck was born in Thiès, Senegal, on August 9, 1959. His parents were Assane Seck and Fatou Seck. He started his schooling at a Koranic school. Later, he attended Randoulène Sud 2 school in Thiès for primary education. He then went to Collège Saint-Gabriel de Thiès for his high school studies, finishing in 1981.

After high school, Seck received a scholarship. He studied in Paris, France, at the École des hautes études commerciales (HEC). In 1983, he joined Sciences Po, focusing on Economy and Finance. In 1989, he also studied at Princeton University in the United States. There, he was part of the Parvin Fellowship program at the Woodrow Wilson School.

Political Journey

Idrissa Seck joined the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) when he was just 15 years old. He quickly became an important figure. In 1988, he managed the presidential campaign for Abdoulaye Wade.

Seck served as the Minister of Trade, Crafts, and Industrialization. This was when he was an opposition member in Abdou Diouf's government. In 1998, he became the deputy leader of the PDS.

When Abdoulaye Wade became president in April 2000, he appointed Seck as Minister of State. Seck also became the Director of the Cabinet. After this, the PDS party was reorganized. Seck's role changed to Deputy National Secretary. He also became the Mayor of Thiès.

Becoming Prime Minister

On November 4, 2002, President Wade chose Idrissa Seck to be the Prime Minister. He took over from Mame Madior Boye. This was the first time Wade had picked a prime minister from his own PDS party. Seck served as Prime Minister until July 21, 2004, when President Wade removed him from the position. During his time as Prime Minister, Senegal saw strong economic growth. The country's economy grew by 6.68% in 2003 and 5.87% in 2004.

Challenges and New Beginnings

In July 2005, Idrissa Seck was held for questioning. He was later released from prison in February 2006. The charges against him were dismissed. After this, on April 4, 2006, he announced he would run for president in 2007.

On September 24, 2006, Seck started his own political party called Rewmi. The word "Rewmi" means "the country" in the Wolof language.

Presidential Elections

Idrissa Seck has run for president multiple times, aiming to lead Senegal.

2007 Presidential Election

In the February 25, 2007, presidential election, Idrissa Seck came in second place. He received about 14.92% of the votes. President Abdoulaye Wade won the election in the first round. Seck won the most votes in his home region, the Thiès Department. After the election, Seck congratulated Wade on his victory. He was the only major opposition leader to do so.

2012 Presidential Election

The 2012 election was very tense. Idrissa Seck ran again under his Rewmi party. He spoke out against President Wade running for a third term. In the first round, Seck got about 7% of the votes.

For the second round, Seck joined other opposition leaders. They all supported Macky Sall against President Wade. This helped Macky Sall win the election with 65.8% of the vote. This election marked an important peaceful change of power in Senegal.

2019 Presidential Election

Idrissa Seck ran for president for the third time in 2019. He led a group called the "Idy 2019" coalition. He was seen as the main opposition candidate against the current president, Macky Sall. Seck finished second with 20.51% of the votes. President Macky Sall won the election in the first round. Seck won the most votes in the Thiès and Mbacké regions.

2024 Presidential Election

In April 2023, Idrissa Seck announced he would run for president in 2024. He stated that the current president, Macky Sall, should not seek a third term. Seck also supported the right of another opposition politician, Ousmane Sonko, to run as a candidate.

Later Political Roles

President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council (2020-2023)

On November 1, 2020, President Macky Sall appointed Idrissa Seck as the President of the Economic, Social and Environmental Council. This appointment showed improved relations between Seck and President Sall. Seck said he accepted the role to help unite the country. He wanted to face challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and security issues in West Africa. Two members of Seck's Rewmi party also joined the government. Seck resigned from this position on April 24, 2023, to run for president in 2024.

COVID-19 Response (2020)

In March 2020, President Macky Sall asked all political groups to work together against the COVID-19 pandemic. Idrissa Seck fully supported this idea. He was interested in keeping the people of Senegal healthy and safe. He endorsed the emergency plan called Force Covid-19.

Leader of Rewmi (2013-2019)

After the 2012 elections, Idrissa Seck's Rewmi party supported Macky Sall. They joined the ruling coalition called Benno Bokk Yakaar (BBY). However, in 2013, Rewmi left the coalition due to disagreements with Macky Sall.

Mayor of Thiès (2002-2014, 2009-Present)

Idrissa Seck served as Mayor of Thiès from 2002 to 2014. After the March 2009 local elections, he was re-elected as Mayor of Thiès on April 21, 2009. He received 64 out of 69 votes from the city council members.

Professional Life

Beyond politics, Idrissa Seck has also worked in business. He founded a consulting company called GDP INITIATIVES. This company focuses on Global Development for Peace. He also founded ÉPI SA (Epistemon International), which is an institution for education and health.