An auction in France featuring items that once belonged to Léopold Sédar Senghor, the first president of Senegal, has been postponed.
The delay comes as the Senegalese government in Dakar engages in negotiations to acquire these historical possessions directly.
Among the notable items included in the auction are military medals and jewelry from Senghor’s collection. Originally, the auction was scheduled to take place in the city of Caen.
President Macky Sall of Senegal has taken a proactive stance on this matter, urging the country’s culture minister and the embassy in Paris to initiate discussions with the auction organizers.
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Léopold Sédar Senghor served as the leader of Senegal for two decades following its independence from France in 1960.
Beyond his political role, he was a distinguished poet who played a pioneering role in the Négritude movement.
Négritude was an anti-colonialist movement that celebrated African cultures and found its roots in the 1930s when Senghor, alongside Martinican poet Aimé Cesairé, was a student in Paris.
While politically aligned with socialism, Senghor maintained strong connections with France throughout his life.
Following his retirement, he resided in France with his French wife, Colette, near the city of Caen, where he passed away in 2001.
The decision to auction Senghor’s personal belongings was made by an unnamed private seller.
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Negotiations between state officials and the auction house are set to unfold over the coming weeks, according to statements from auctioneer Solène Laine.
In the event that a mutually acceptable agreement cannot be reached during this period, the auction will proceed in December, as announced by her firm.