Diplomatic secrets of macky sall’s era revealed in new book

The political landscape of Senegal has once again turned its gaze toward the presidency of Macky Sall, following the public presentation of a book authored by Oumar Demba Bâ, his former diplomatic advisor. Held in Dakar and attended by politicians, diplomats, and analysts, the event centered on a work that promises to unveil the inner workings of presidential governance from 2012 to 2024. Among the highlights was a keynote address by Aïssata Tall Sall, Senegal’s former foreign minister, which added significant weight to the book’s revelations.

Inside the corridors of power: a book that sheds new light

Oumar Demba Bâ operated in the shadows of Senegal’s presidential palace for years, shaping the country’s positions on major regional and global issues. As Macky Sall’s diplomatic advisor, he played a pivotal role in preparing Senegal’s stance on matters ranging from ECOWAS decisions to Sahel mediation efforts and 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 Senegalese political life from an insider’s perspective.

This publication aligns with a growing trend where former government officials are documenting their experiences in the wake of political transitions. While still relatively uncommon in West Africa, such accounts contribute to institutional memory, offering valuable insights for current diplomats, policymakers, and researchers inheriting the legacy of past administrations.

Key revelations from Aïssata Tall Sall on Senegal’s foreign policy

During the event, Aïssata Tall Sall shared detailed insights into how Macky Sall approached Senegal’s foreign policy. As the former foreign minister who served during the final presidential term, she emphasized the close working relationship between the president and his diplomatic advisor. She described their dynamic as a seamless partnership in which Oumar Demba Bâ acted as a discreet yet central bridge between Macky Sall and Senegal’s international partners.

The former minister revisited several critical diplomatic dossiers handled 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. She portrayed her former colleague as a meticulous strategist who quietly shaped Senegal’s international positioning. Her testimony elevates the book beyond personal memoir, positioning it as an important documentary resource.

Publishing in a tense political transition

The timing of the book’s release coincides with a period of heightened scrutiny over the previous administration. Since Bassirou Diomaye Faye assumed office in April 2024, multiple investigations have been launched into the management of public finances and certain strategic contracts from Macky Sall’s era. Statements by former officials from that government are closely monitored by both political circles and Senegalese civil society.

Despite the timing, the book is not framed as an act of political score-settling. Early readers describe it as an effort to provide context, with the author defending his former boss’s diplomatic record while acknowledging the constraints and trade-offs that influenced decisions made 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 narratives.

For analysts, the book’s significance 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, including through intellectual contributions. The reception it receives from Senegalese readers and regional diplomatic circles will be telling, especially in a country where debates about the governance of the past decade remain highly charged.