Saidou Nourou Ba

Saidou Nourou Ba (born 1944 in Khomble, Senegal) is a Senegalese diplomat with a career spanning over four decades. He served as Senegal’s Ambassador to Algeria from 1990 to 2006, during which time he was involved in key diplomatic initiatives, including efforts to facilitate economic and cultural ties between Senegal and Algeria. 
He began his diplomatic career after graduating as valedictorian from the National School of Administration (ENA) in 1972, where he specialized in Law and Political Science. His diplomatic postings have included assignments in Moscow, London, Gambia, and Brussels, as well as a role as Senegal’s Deputy Representative to the United Nations Security Council from 1986 to 1990. From 2018 to 2023, he served as a member of the National Autonomous Electoral Commission ,, a tenure that ended amid controversy related to the electoral process in Senegal.
Saidou Nourou Ba has also been involved in civil society initiatives, including serving as President of the Association Sportive et Culturelle Jeanne d'Arc de Dakar. He has played a role in reinforcing cultural and religious ties between Senegal and Algeria, particularly through the Tijaniyya Sufi order.
===Education===
Saidou Nourou Ba graduated from the National School of Administration (ENA) in 1972, where he was the valedictorian of his class. He specialized in Law and Political Science. After completing his formal education, he received advanced practical training in various countries, including France, Germany, Belgium, Lebanon, Italy, and the United States. This education and training provided the foundation for his subsequent diplomatic career.
===Diplomatic Career===
====Early Career at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs====
Saidou Nourou Ba began his career at the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1972, where he served as the Head of the Legal Division, Head of the Europe Division, and Advisor to the Minister's Cabinet.
====Overseas Diplomatic Assignments====
* Moscow (1973-1975): Served as First Counselor at the Senegalese Embassy in Moscow.
* London (1975-1978): Was appointed First Counselor at the Senegalese Embassy in London.
* Gambia (1978-1981): Held the position of Executive Secretary of the Senegal-Gambia Committee with the rank of Ambassador. During this period, he and his family were taken hostage during a coup attempt by Koukoy Samba Sagna.
* Brussels (1981-1985): Served as First Counselor at the Senegalese Embassy in Brussels, representing Senegal to the European Union, Benelux, and ACP.
====Senior Roles====
* New York (1986-1990): Was the Minister Counselor and Deputy Representative to the United Nations Security Council during Senegal's tenure.
* Senegal (1985-1986): Served as Advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ibrahima Fall.
====Ambassador to Algeria (1990-2006)====
During his tenure as Ambassador to Algeria, Saidou Nourou Ba was involved in facilitating one of the first inter-African business deals between Dakar Dem Dik from Senegal and SNVI from Algeria. He also worked to strengthen cultural ties between Senegal and Algeria, particularly through the Zaouia Tidjiania. He was part of the delegation during the 2015 visit of Senegalese President Macky Sall to Algeria, which included a visit to Aïn Madhi, the spiritual center of the Tijaniyya order.
===Post-Retirement Contributions===
====Independent Consultant====
After retiring from the diplomatic service, Saidou Nourou Ba continued to work as an independent consultant for various organizations, governments, and research institutions.
====Professor====
Saidou Nourou Ba has taught at the National School of Administration (ENA) and contributed to various academic and strategic institutions.
====CENA Member (2018-2023)====
Saidou Nourou Ba was appointed as a member of the National Autonomous Electoral Commission (CENA) in October 2018 Cena Saidou Nourou Ba nouveau membre. His tenure ended in November 2023, following the decision of President Macky Sall to replace the CENA members. This decision came after the CENA, under his leadership, did not disqualify Ousmane Sonko as a candidate for the February 2024 presidential election. The replacement of the CENA members raised concerns from ECOWAS, citing potential conflicts with the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
====Gorée Institute====
Saidou Nourou Ba served as President of the Board of Directors of the Gorée Institute, where he led initiatives focused on peace, democracy, and development in Africa.L'Ambassadeur Saïdou Nourou Ba rejoint le Conseil d'Administration de Gorée Institute
====Jeanne d'Arc de Dakar====
* Leadership: In August 2012, Saidou Nourou Ba was elected President of the Association Sportive et Culturelle Jeanne d'Arc de Dakar, the oldest sports club in Senegal. During his leadership, he oversaw the appointment of a new coach in 2017 with the goal of returning the club to Ligue 1.Seydou Nourou Ba confirme: Alphousseynou « Il doit ramener la Jeanne d'Arc en L1 »
====Honors====
* 1986: Promoted to Officer of the Legion of Honor by the French Republic.
* 2019: Elevated to the rank of Grand Cross in the National Order of Merit of Senegal.
Category:1944 births
Category:People from Senegal
Category:Senegalese people
Category:Diplomats