The political landscape of Sénégal has once again turned its gaze toward the era of President Macky Sall, following the public launch of a new book by Oumar Demba Bâ, his former diplomatic advisor. Held in Dakar, the event drew political figures, diplomats, and analysts eager to explore a work that promises to unveil the inner workings of the presidency from 2012 to 2024. The highlight of the evening came when Me Aïssata Tall Sall, who once led Sénégal‘s foreign affairs, shared her perspective, lending the book a deeper significance.
Inside the corridors of power: a book on Macky Sall’s diplomacy
Oumar Demba Bâ spent years shaping Sénégal‘s stance on critical regional and global issues while serving as Macky Sall’s diplomatic advisor. His responsibilities spanned major platforms, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union summits in Addis Ababa, and international forums in New York and Paris. His book offers a rare glimpse into the decision-making processes that defined a dozen years of Sénégal‘s political life from a position of close proximity to power.
This publication is part of a growing trend since Sénégal‘s political transition in 2024, where former government officials are documenting their experiences. Such accounts, still uncommon in West African political traditions, contribute to institutional memory, offering valuable insights for diplomats, policymakers, and researchers navigating the legacy left by the previous administration.
Me Aïssata Tall Sall’s revelations about Senegal’s foreign policy
During the launch event, Me Aïssata Tall Sall shared detailed observations on how Macky Sall approached Sénégal‘s international relations. As the country’s former foreign minister, she emphasized the close working relationship between the president and his diplomatic advisor. She portrayed Oumar Demba Bâ as a discreet yet pivotal figure, bridging the gap between the head of state and Sénégal‘s international partners.
Her remarks touched on several sensitive issues handled by Dakar during that period, including Sénégal‘s presidency of the African Union in 2022, regional tensions involving Mali and Burkina Faso, and the country’s ties with Western capitals. Me Tall Sall highlighted the meticulous approach of her former colleague, whom she described as a key architect behind Sénégal‘s international positioning. Her testimony elevates the book beyond a personal memoir, positioning it as a valuable historical document.
Preserving history amid political transition
The book’s release comes at a pivotal moment. Since Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April 2024, multiple investigations have scrutinized the previous administration’s management of public funds and strategic contracts. Statements from former officials like Oumar Demba Bâ and Me Aïssata Tall Sall are being closely watched by political circles and civil society in Sénégal.
Yet, the book does not aim to settle scores. Early readers describe it as an attempt to contextualize the era, with the author defending Macky Sall’s diplomatic legacy while acknowledging the constraints and trade-offs that shaped decisions in the presidential palace. This approach mirrors the post-tenure reflections of former French or Ivorian presidential advisors who publish their accounts to influence historical interpretations of their time in office.
Analysts point out that the book’s value lies not only in its content but also in the signal it sends. It underscores that outgoing leaders intend to remain influential in Sénégal‘s public discourse, even through intellectual contributions. The reception among Sénégal‘s readers and regional diplomatic circles will be telling, particularly in a country where debates about the past decade’s governance remain intense.
