Abou is originally from Senegal. He earned an associate’s degree from the City University of New York, a bachelor’s degree in social work from the City University of New York, and a master’s degree in social work from Yeshiva University. He lives in Staten Island.

Abou currently works as a court analyst and head of the pro se department for the New York State Unified Court System. He previously worked as a personal assistant to a judge, a program coordinator and case manager at Community Health Action of Staten Island, a program officer with the United Nations, a constituent liaison in the New York State Assembly, a technical assistant with UNAIDS, and an adjunct professor at Wagner College.

Abou Sy Diakhate previously ran for New York City Council District 49 in 2021, but did not win.