Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – Senegal is mourning the passing of Mamadou Badio Camara, President of the Constitutional Council, who died on April 10, 2025, at the age of 73. His death marks the loss of a towering judicial figure who played a critical role in safeguarding Senegal’s democracy. His unwavering commitment to the rule of law was most evident during the country’s 2024 presidential election, when he led the Constitutional Council in a landmark decision that preserved constitutional order and ensured a timely transition of power.

A Career Dedicated to Justice

Born in Dakar in 1952, Camara devoted his life to the legal profession. After graduating from the National School of Administration and Magistrates (ENAM) in 1977, he ascended the ranks of the judiciary, serving as a prosecutor in Ziguinchor and Kaolack before becoming the First President of the Supreme Court. In 2021, he joined the Constitutional Council and took over its leadership in 2022 during a politically turbulent period.

Defending Democracy in Crisis

Camara’s most defining moment came during the 2024 presidential election, which was overshadowed by an unprecedented political crisis. In February 2024, President Macky Sall attempted to postpone the election from its original date of February 25 to December 15, citing alleged irregularities. This move, backed by the National Assembly, sparked widespread outcry and was widely perceived as an attempt to extend Sall’s mandate beyond its constitutional limits.

Faced with this crisis, Camara and the Constitutional Council stood as the final barrier against potential institutional collapse. On February 15, 2024, in a historic ruling, the Council declared the postponement unconstitutional and annulled the presidential decree that sought to extend Sall’s rule. This decision forced the government to organize the election on March 24, ensuring the country adhered to its constitutional timeline.

Thanks to Camara’s resolute leadership, the transfer of power occurred before April 2, averting a prolonged political impasse and reinforcing Senegal’s democratic stability.

A Legacy of Judicial Independence

Camara’s courage in standing firm against executive overreach cemented his legacy as a guardian of Senegalese democracy. His tenure exemplified the importance of an independent judiciary in upholding democratic principles. While his passing leaves a significant void in the country’s legal landscape, his decisive actions during one of Senegal’s most volatile moments will be remembered as a defining chapter in the nation’s history.

Senegal’s President of the Republic Bassirou Diomaye Faye paid tribute to Camara, honoring him as “a great servant of the state.” He extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, his loved ones, and the entire judicial community.

The lifting of the illustrious magistrate’s body is scheduled for Friday, April 11, 2025, at 10 a.m. at the Main Hospital in Dakar. A mortuary prayer will follow at the Grand Omarian Mosque, immediately after the Jummah prayer. He will then be laid to rest at the Muslim cemetery in Bakhiya, Yoff.

As Senegal reflects on his contributions, Mamadou Badio Camara’s name will endure as a symbol of justice and institutional integrity, a man who, when democracy was threatened, ensured that the rule of law prevailed.