Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Amadou Makhtar Mbow, the esteemed former Director of UNESCO and a key figure in Senegalese political life, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, at the age of 103. Over the years, Mbow earned a reputation as the wise elder of Senegal’s political landscape, consistently advocating for democratic consolidation. His most prominent role in recent years was as the patriarch of the National Conference, where he played a crucial part in navigating Senegal through a political crisis.
Born on March 20, 1921, in Dakar, Mbow’s life was marked by service and resilience. After serving in the French army during World War II, where he witnessed the “bitter experience of a defeated French army” and faced the peril of death and the loss of freedom, he embarked on a path that would intertwine education, politics, and diplomacy. He later served in North Africa and France before concluding his military career as a sergeant specialist in 1945.
Upon his return to civilian life, Mbow pursued studies in France, becoming an active member of the Association and Federation of African Students. He graduated from the Sorbonne with a degree in geography and began a distinguished career in education. Starting in 1951, he taught in Mauritania and Senegal, connecting with the country’s rural population, and later held several prominent roles in the national education system.
Mbow’s political journey began as Senegal’s Minister of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sports (1957-1958) during the transitional period that led to independence. He was later an outspoken opponent of President Léopold Sédar Senghor before joining his government as Minister of Education (1968-1970). His contributions in this period also included serving as a deputy in Senegal’s parliament (1970-1974).
On the international stage, Mbow became widely respected for his leadership at UNESCO. First as Assistant Director General for Education and later as Director General (1974-1987), he championed education and cultural preservation worldwide.
Even after retirement, Mbow’s commitment to serving his country remained unwavering. At the age of 87, he accepted the challenge to lead “national meetings” aimed at resolving Senegal’s political crisis. Despite initial reservations due to his age, Mbow agreed to chair the meetings, which were organized by the opposition and civil society. These “national assizes” aimed to provide a unified and concerted solution to the crisis, a task Mbow approached with his characteristic sense of duty.
Speaking at the launch of these meetings, he recalled the values that had shaped his life. “At the end of a life as long as mine, we cannot escape,” he said, explaining that turning down the request to serve would have been a “denial of oneself.”
Mbow’s lifelong commitment to the principles of solidarity and service, deeply ingrained in African cultures and reinforced by his scouting days, remained central to his identity. “Always ready to serve,” he affirmed, reflecting on his long and eventful journey with a sense of serenity.
Amadou Makhtar Mbow’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life dedicated to education, politics, and the service of his people. His legacy as a tireless advocate for democracy and human rights will continue to inspire future generations.
