Biran Gaye
President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye has decided to recoup all the literary treasures of Former President Léopold Sédar Senghor from its former colonizer, France, according to reports.
In homage to one of its emblematic figures, the newly elected president intends to acquire all 343 books that belonged to the Senegalese nationalist, in a bid to preserve the cultural and intellectual heritage of Senegal.
Reports say the auction of books that belonged to Léopold Sédar Senghor, planned for Caen, has been put off, following ongoing negotiations between the State of Senegal and the parties concerned, aimed at repatriating these literary resources to the country of origin of the illustrious poet and politician.
Oumar Badiane, director of Senegalese cultural heritage, confirmed the direct involvement of the government in this initiative, Senenews reported.
In a statement to AFP, Senegal’s ambassador to France, El Hadji Magatte Séye, who initiated discussions with the auctioneer in order to suspend the sale and reach a direct transfer agreement between the two parties, expressed optimism at the negotiations.
“We very much hope that we will reach an agreement very quickly to repatriate the works to Senegal,” Séye was quoted as saying.
He also noted the desire of the Senegalese government to create a museum devoted to Senghor, in recognition of his major role in the history and culture of the country.
