Le Blogs de : badou diakhate

by Badou Diakhate, Northwestern University Library

As the saying goes “All’s well that ends well.” President Obama’s trip was a successful one. We Senegalese knew it could not be otherwise, because of the underlying fabric of the Senegalese society. Senegal is, after all, the land of “Teranga,” or “hospitality.” The guest is always considered a “king” and will be treated as such, with all the honors which, respectfully, belong to him. Obama left Senegal this morning.

Limousine bringing the Obama family to the airport in Senegal.

President Obama promised to strengthen the U.S.-Senegalese ties through a more dynamic cooperation. The United States will help Senegal in building its infrastructure, reviving its agriculture and solving the Casamance crisis, said Obama.

Obama family boarding Air Force One to depart Senegal.

Senegal has come a long way in its democratic transition process but much has to be done in order to make its “democratic structures more resilient and responsive.” History has shown that the road to democracy is not linear, and when political leaders are not truly committed to invest the necessary will- power into strengthening democracy, a “reverse wave” can take effect by throwing the country back to the dark days of authoritarianism.

Photographs of Obama leaving Senegal courtesy Martin Ndaw.