Oumar Demba Bâ : cinq choses à savoir sur l’ombre des Présidents Abdoulaye Wade et Macky Sall
He always sat to the left of the two former heads of state during audiences at the Palace, his back straight and a pen pointed at a notepad resting on his lap. Using the release of his book, Words Shape the World - Speeches and Diplomacy , as a pretext, L'Observateur attempted to bring this diplomat, renowned for his legendary discretion, into the spotlight. No easy task. Excerpts.
1. Words shape the world
This is the title of Ambassador Oumar Demba Bâ's book, published by L'Harmattan and prefaced by former Foreign Minister Mankeur Ndiaye. "This work is a luminous meditation on the power of words in preventing conflicts and bringing nations closer together," enthuses L'Observateur. The diplomat "reveals another facet of his personality: that of a man of letters convinced that words are never mere assemblages of sounds, but instruments capable of shaping collective destinies," adds the daily newspaper of the Future Media Group.
2. "Sherpa"
During his 33-year diplomatic career, Oumar Demba Bâ served two heads of state, Abdoulaye Wade and Macky Sall, for 24 years. L'Observateur describes him as "a vigilant guardian of the diplomatic temple, first as a diplomatic advisor and then as a sherpa" to these former presidents. "A key role behind the scenes where, according to several consistent accounts, he acted as a de facto chief of staff during major international tours, quietly crafting the framework for the most solemn state speeches, from the traditional April 4th message to major addresses at the African Union."
3. "Like Bruno Diatta"
Praising “his great skills, unwavering loyalty and fidelity, as well as his rigor and pragmatism that inspire respect,” former minister Pape Malick Ndour ventured to compare him to a prominent figure in Senegalese diplomacy: the former head of protocol to the President of the Republic, who served for 39 years and passed away in 2018. “The corps of diplomatic advisors has produced great civil servants, like Bruno Diatta. But here is a man [Oumar Demba Bâ] who is rarely mentioned, yet who deserves to be included in the same category, so crucial was his discreet contribution to Senegalese diplomacy.” Former Secretary of State for Senegalese Abroad, Moïse Sarr, concurred: “I would say he is one of the rare men who knows how to walk on eggshells without breaking them.”
4. Football fanatic
If you're lucky enough to have his personal mobile number, you'll notice that Oumar Demba Bâ is a passionate football fan, a die-hard supporter of the national team. "During major tournaments, he readily shows his support for the Lions, even in his [WhatsApp] profile pictures," reveals L'Observateur. "He's a true football fanatic. He knows the history of Senegalese football perfectly, right back to the 1980s; it's one of his favorite topics of conversation," agrees another former minister, Abdou Karim Fofana.
5. Mbolo Birane
Oumar Demba Bâ hails from this village in the Podor department. The local high school and stadium, which he gifted to his people, bear his name. At their inauguration, the patron made a powerful appeal to the young people of his region: “Study, seek knowledge, without which there is no development. Those who possess it will come, otherwise, to deceive you in order to exploit your natural resources.” Powerful words. Words that can shape a world.
Commentaires (29)
Cet homme fait partie des gardiens de la République. Il est d’une humilité et d’une simplicité rares. Très compétent et très respecté! Il a dignement servi le pays et plus intègre que la totalité de gens de Pastef. Ça doit sûrement être un saint…
Vive les Toucouleurs !
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