Senegal’s diplomatic past under spotlight in new book

The political landscape of Senegal has once again turned its gaze to the administration of former president Macky Sall, following the public unveiling of a book authored by Oumar Demba Bâ, his former diplomatic advisor. Held in Dakar, the event brought together political figures, diplomats, and analysts to explore a text that promises to reveal the inner workings of presidential governance from 2012 to 2024. The most anticipated moment came when Me Aïssata Tall Sall, Senegal’s former foreign minister, shared her insights, lending the book a distinctive credibility.

Behind the scenes of Macky Sall’s diplomacy

Oumar Demba Bâ spent years in the shadows of the Senegalese presidential palace, shaping the nation’s stance on major regional and international issues. As Macky Sall’s diplomatic advisor, he played a pivotal role in preparing Senegal’s positions on matters ranging from ECOWAS decisions to Sahel mediation efforts, as well as multilateral summits in Addis Ababa, New York, and Paris. His book offers a rare glimpse into the decision-making processes that defined twelve years of Senegal’s political life from an insider’s perspective.

This publication aligns with a growing trend in West Africa, where former government officials are documenting their experiences in office. Once uncommon in the region’s political tradition, such accounts now contribute to institutional memory, offering valuable context for researchers, current diplomats, and policymakers inheriting complex diplomatic files.

Me Aïssata Tall Sall’s revelations on Senegal’s foreign policy

During the event, Me Aïssata Tall Sall provided detailed commentary on how Macky Sall approached Senegal’s foreign policy. The former foreign minister, who served during the president’s final term, highlighted the close working relationship between Sall and his diplomatic advisor. She described their dynamic as a well-coordinated partnership, with Oumar Demba Bâ acting as a discreet yet central intermediary between the head of state and Senegal’s international partners.

Her remarks revisited several sensitive diplomatic files managed by Dakar during that period, including Senegal’s presidency of the African Union in 2022, regional tensions involving Mali and Burkina Faso, and the country’s relations with Western capitals. Me Tall Sall emphasized the meticulous approach of her former colleague, portraying him as a key architect behind Senegal’s international positioning. This testimony elevates the book’s significance beyond a personal memoir, positioning it as a valuable documentary resource.

Political transition and the value of institutional memory

The book’s release coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny. Since Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April 2024, multiple investigations have been launched into the previous administration’s management of public funds and strategic contracts. In this context, the statements of former officials from Macky Sall’s regime are being closely observed by both political circles and Senegalese civil society.

The book is not framed as an act of retribution. Early readers describe it as an effort to contextualize decisions, with the author defending the diplomatic legacy of his former boss while acknowledging the constraints and trade-offs that influenced policy choices. This approach mirrors the post-tenure reflections of former French or Ivorian presidential advisors who, upon leaving office, publish their accounts to shape historical narratives of their era.

Analysts note that the book’s value lies not only in its content but also in the message it conveys. It signals that the outgoing political elite intends to remain influential in Senegal’s public discourse, even through intellectual contributions. The reception it receives from Senegalese readers and regional diplomatic circles will be telling, particularly in a country where debates about the governance of the past decade remain highly charged.