The political landscape of Sénégal has once again turned its gaze toward the presidency of Macky Sall with the public unveiling of a book by Oumar Demba Bâ, the former diplomatic advisor to the outgoing head of state. Held in Dakar, the event brought together political figures, diplomats, and analysts to dissect a work that promises to reveal the inner workings of presidential governance from 2012 to 2024. The most anticipated moment came when former Foreign Minister Me Aïssata Tall Sall shared her insights, lending the book a unique depth and resonance.

Diplomatic memoir exposes Macky Sall’s decision-making processes

Oumar Demba Bâ spent years in the corridors of power, shaping Sénégal’s stance on critical regional and global issues. As Macky Sall’s diplomatic advisor, he played a pivotal role in crafting policies on West African affairs, Sahelian mediation, and multilateral engagements in cities like Addis-Abeba, New York, and Paris. His book offers an insider’s perspective on the decision-making machinery that defined twelve years of Senegalese politics.

This publication aligns with a growing trend where former government officials document their experiences post-transition. While still emerging in West African political culture, such accounts serve as invaluable institutional records for diplomats, researchers, and incoming policymakers inheriting the legacy of the previous administration.

Me Aïssata Tall Sall reveals Senegal’s foreign policy strategies

During the launch event, Me Aïssata Tall Sall provided a detailed account of how Macky Sall approached Sénégal’s foreign relations. As the last Foreign Minister in his administration, she highlighted the close working relationship between the president and his diplomatic advisor. She described a dynamic in which Oumar Demba Bâ acted as a crucial yet discreet bridge between the president and Sénégal’s international partners.

Her remarks revisited several sensitive files managed by Dakar during that period, including Sénégal’s chairmanship of the African Union in 2022 and the regional tensions involving Mali and Burkina Faso. She also addressed the country’s relations with Western capitals. Tall Sall emphasized the meticulous nature of her former colleague’s work, portraying him as a behind-the-scenes architect of Sénégal’s international positioning. These revelations elevate the book beyond personal memoir, positioning it as a significant historical document.

A reflective account amid Senegal’s political transition

The book’s release coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny over the previous administration. Since Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April 2024, investigations have targeted aspects of Macky Sall’s tenure, particularly public finances and strategic contracts. The statements of former officials from his regime are being closely monitored by both political circles and civil society in Sénégal.

While the book does not engage in score-settling, early readers interpret it as an attempt to contextualize the era. The author defends the diplomatic record of his former boss while acknowledging the constraints and trade-offs that shaped decisions in the presidential palace. This approach mirrors the post-tenure narratives of former French or Ivorian presidential advisors who publish their accounts to influence historical interpretations of their times.

Analysts suggest 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 Sénégal’s public discourse, including through intellectual contributions. The reception among Senegalese readers and regional diplomatic circles remains to be seen, particularly in a country where debates about the governance of the past decade continue to spark strong opinions.