The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is delighted to learn that the President of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has designated Professor Abdoulaye Bathily to be his special envoy on international affairs. Not only does this designation make Prof. Bathily a Special Envoy on the mediation mission involving the Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS, but also tasks him to other missions for which the President will need the experience, respectability, and stature of Prof. Bathily.
Prof. Bathily is a long-standing member of CODESRIA and has played significant roles in the history of the Council that include publishing path breaking studies with the Council and speaking at the 12th CODESRIA General Assembly in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Prof. Bathily is the immediate former Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya. He has served in various capacities within the UN including assignments in Mali, Central Africa, Gabon and Madagascar. Prior to his UN roles, he held various political positions including Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly in Senegal. In 2016, Professor Bathily ran for the position of Chair of the African Union Commission, an elective position that would have placed him at the top leadership of the Commission.
This appointment is a fitting recognition of Professor Bathily’s extensive knowledge and experience. It also affirms, in the words of President Faye, that the government is embracing and celebrating Senegal’s long history as a breeding ground for “great men” and women who deeply love their country and strive to contribute to regional and pan-African agendas.
Besides being a celebrated personality, Professor Bathily was a key figure in the student movement in Senegal, which significantly shaped the country’s early history. His background, combining academic knowledge and extensive experience in international affairs, positions him uniquely to guide Senegal’s international engagements with a strong Pan-African foundation.
Congratulations.
