Senegal’s political landscape has once again turned its gaze toward the presidency of Macky Sall with the unveiling of a new book penned by Oumar Demba Bâ, the former diplomatic advisor to the outgoing head of state. The event, held in Dakar, brought together political figures, diplomats, and analysts to explore a work that promises to shed light on the inner workings of Senegal’s presidential governance from 2012 to 2024. The most anticipated moment came when Me Aïssata Tall Sall, Senegal’s former foreign minister, took the stage, offering firsthand insights that gave the book added depth and significance.
Behind the scenes: a book documenting Macky Sall’s diplomatic journey
Oumar Demba Bâ spent years in the quiet corridors of the Senegalese presidential palace, serving as Macky Sall’s diplomatic advisor. His role involved shaping Senegal’s stance on critical regional and global issues, from ECOWAS decisions to mediation efforts in the Sahel, and major multilateral summits in cities like Addis Ababa, New York, and Paris. Through his book, he aims to offer a behind-the-scenes account of the decision-making processes that defined twelve years of Senegalese politics under Sall’s leadership.
This publication is part of a growing trend in West Africa, where former government officials are increasingly sharing their experiences in written form following political transitions. While such reflections remain relatively rare in the region’s political culture, they play a vital role in preserving institutional memory for diplomats, policymakers, and researchers navigating the legacy of past administrations.
What Aïssata Tall Sall revealed about Senegal’s foreign policy
During the launch event, Me Aïssata Tall Sall provided a detailed account of how Macky Sall approached Senegal’s foreign relations. As the former foreign minister during Sall’s final term, she highlighted the close working relationship between the president and his diplomatic advisor. She described their dynamic as a well-coordinated partnership, with Oumar Demba Bâ acting as a discreet yet pivotal link between the head of state and Senegal’s international partners.
Her remarks revisited several sensitive issues managed by Dakar during this 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. Tall Sall emphasized the meticulous approach of her former colleague, portraying him as a key architect behind Senegal’s international positioning. Her testimony elevates the book beyond a personal memoir, positioning it as a valuable historical document.
Preserving history during Senegal’s political transition
The timing of the book’s release is particularly significant. Since Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April 2024, multiple investigations have scrutinized the policies and financial decisions of the previous administration, including major public contracts. As a result, public statements from former officials of Macky Sall’s regime are being closely monitored by both political circles and civil society in Senegal.
The book does not read as a score-settling exercise. Early readers describe it as an attempt to contextualize the diplomatic achievements of Macky Sall’s tenure, acknowledging the constraints and trade-offs that shaped key policy choices. This approach mirrors the post-tenure reflections of former French or Ivorian presidential advisors, who publish their accounts to influence the historical narrative of their eras.
Analysts suggest the book’s value lies not only in its content but also in the message it sends. It signals that outgoing leaders intend to remain influential in Senegal’s public discourse, extending their reach even beyond their time in office. The true test will be how Senegalese readers and regional diplomats receive the work, especially in a country where debates about the governance of the past decade remain highly charged.