Inside look at Macky Sall’s diplomatic legacy in new book

A gathering of political figures and diplomats in Dakar turned the spotlight back on former Senegalese President Macky Sall’s tenure, marked by the unveiling of a book penned by Oumar Demba Bâ, his longtime diplomatic advisor. The event centered on a work that peels back layers of Senegal’s foreign policy from 2012 to 2024, with a keynote address by former Foreign Minister Aïssata Tall Sall adding significant depth to the discussion.

Behind-the-scenes insights into presidential decision-making

Oumar Demba Bâ operated at the heart of Senegal’s presidential machinery, shaping the country’s stance on critical regional and global issues. His responsibilities spanned major engagements, from CEDEAO summits to Sahel mediation efforts and multilateral forums in Addis-Abeba, New York, and Paris. The book offers an insider’s view of the decision-making processes that defined twelve years of Senegalese politics under Macky Sall’s leadership.

This publication aligns with a growing trend among former West African officials who, following political transitions, document their experiences to contribute to institutional memory. Such accounts provide valuable context for current diplomats, policymakers, and researchers inheriting complex regional challenges.

Revealing perspectives on Senegal’s foreign policy

Me Aïssata Tall Sall, who served as Foreign Minister in Macky Sall’s final term, shared detailed observations on the president’s approach to diplomacy. She highlighted the close working relationship between Sall and his advisor, describing Bâ as a pivotal yet discreet bridge between the head of state and Senegal’s international partners. Her remarks revisited pivotal moments, including Senegal’s 2022 African Union presidency, regional tensions involving Burkina Faso and Mali, and interactions with Western capitals.

Tall Sall praised Bâ’s meticulous methodology, framing him as a behind-the-scenes architect of Senegal’s global positioning. Her testimony elevates the book beyond personal memoir, offering a critical lens on the country’s diplomatic trajectory during a transformative era.

Navigating a politically charged transition

The book’s release coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny over the previous administration’s legacy, particularly regarding public finances and strategic contracts. Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s rise to power in April 2024 has intensified inquiries into the outgoing regime, making the insights of former officials particularly scrutinized by both political circles and civil society.

Rather than serving as a platform for score-settling, the book positions itself as a contextual narrative. Bâ defends his former boss’s diplomatic record 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 use their memoirs to influence historical interpretations of their eras.

Analysts note that the book’s significance lies not only in its content but also in the message it conveys—signaling that outgoing leaders intend to shape public discourse, even after leaving office. The reception among Senegalese readers and regional diplomats will reveal how this narrative resonates in a country where debates over the past decade’s governance remain deeply polarizing.