# Abdou Diouf

> Senegalese President

**Wikidata**: [Q219728](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q219728)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdou_Diouf)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/abdou-diouf

## Summary

Abdou Diouf, born September 7, 1935, in Nguer Malal [1][2][3][4][5][6], held dual citizenship in Senegal and France [7][8]. A politician and lawyer by profession [7], he practiced Sunni Islam  and was married to Elisabeth Diouf [9][10]. His education included studies at the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and Université Cheikh Anta Diop .Diouf served as Prime Minister of Senegal from 1970 to 1980  before becoming President of Senegal in 1981, a position he held until 2000 . During his tenure, he also chaired the Organisation of African Unity twice, first from 1985 to 1986 and again from 1992 to 1993 . His contributions earned him numerous honors, including the Grand Star of the Decoration for Services to the Republic of Austria, the Grand Cross of the Order of Orange-Nassau, and honorary doctorates from institutions such as the University of Ottawa and the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne [11][12][13][14].

## Summary
Abdou Diouf was a Senegalese politician who served as the President of Senegal from 1981 to 2000. A key figure in West African politics, he played a significant role in maintaining democratic stability in the region and fostering international cooperation through organizations like La Francophonie.

## Biography
- **Born:** September 7, 1935
- **Nationality:** Senegalese, French
- **Education:** 
  - University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne
  - Université Cheikh Anta Diop
- **Known for:** Longest-serving President of Senegal, advocate for Francophonie
- **Employer(s):** Government of Senegal, Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
- **Field(s):** Politics, International Relations

## Contributions
Abdou Diouf led Senegal for nearly two decades, emphasizing democratic governance and regional cooperation. He participated in founding the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie in 1970, promoting French language and cultural ties globally. His presidency saw Senegal maintain stability amid regional conflicts, serving as a model for democratic transitions in Africa.

## FAQs
- **What were Abdou Diouf's key political roles?** Diouf served as President of Senegal (1981–2000) and was instrumental in international organizations like La Francophonie.
- **Where was Abdou Diouf educated?** He studied at the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne and Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar.
- **What international awards did Diouf receive?** He received honors such as the Grand Order of Mugunghwa (South Korea), King Faisal International Prize, and multiple honorary doctorates from French universities.
- **How long did Diouf serve as President?** He led Senegal for 19 years, from 1981 until his electoral defeat in 2000.

## Why They Matter
Abdou Diouf's leadership stabilized Senegal during a period of regional turmoil, reinforcing democratic institutions in West Africa. His advocacy for La Francophonie strengthened cultural and political ties among French-speaking nations, leaving a lasting legacy in international diplomacy and African governance.

## Notable For
- **Presidency:** Longest-serving President of Senegal (1981–2000)
- **International Leadership:** Key figure in founding the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie
- **Awards:** Recipient of the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and King Faisal International Prize
- **Academic Honors:** Multiple honorary doctorates from French universities
- **Democratic Transition:** Peacefully transferred power after electoral defeat in 2000

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Abdou Diouf was born on September 7, 1935, in Senegal, which was then part of French West Africa. He pursued higher education at the Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar and later at the University of Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne, laying the groundwork for his political career.

### Political Career
Diouf rose to prominence in Senegalese politics, becoming President in 1981. His tenure focused on maintaining democratic stability and fostering regional cooperation. Senegal avoided the coups and conflicts common in neighboring countries during his leadership, earning recognition as a model of democratic governance in Africa.

### International Engagement
A strong advocate for Francophonie, Diouf played a pivotal role in establishing the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie in 1970. This organization promoted French language and cultural cooperation globally, enhancing Senegal's diplomatic influence.

### Post-Presidency
After losing the 2000 presidential election, Diouf peacefully transferred power, reinforcing Senegal's democratic reputation. He remained active in international affairs, continuing to support Francophonie initiatives and African diplomacy.

### Legacy
Diouf's legacy is marked by his commitment to democratic principles and regional stability. His leadership in Senegal and contributions to international organizations like La Francophonie solidified his role as a key figure in 20th-century African politics. The numerous honors he received, including the Grand Order of Mugunghwa and honorary doctorates, reflect his global recognition as a statesman and advocate for cultural cooperation.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Database of Cabinet Politics in Sub-Sahara Africa
3. [Source](https://www.xalimasn.com/epouses-des-presidents-senegalais-les-premieres-dames-en-roue-libre/)
4. Le Maitron
5. [Source](https://www.seneweb.com/news/Politique/farba-senghor-la-verite-sur-la-nationali_n_174268.html)
6. [Source](https://www.nationaalarchief.nl/onderzoeken/index/nt00435)
7. Journal officiel de la République française. 1989
8. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000160561)
9. [Journal officiel de la République française](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000549667)
10. [Source](https://www.univ-lyon3.fr/medias/fichier/docteurs-honoris-causa-depuis-1973_1351869110106.pdf)
11. [Source](https://www.univ-paris8.fr/Docteurs-honoris-causa)
12. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20190419083730/https://www.univ-perp.fr/fr/menu/recherche/rayonnement-scientifique/docteurs-honoris-causa-upvd-96700.kjsp)
13. [Source](http://www.u-bordeaux-montaigne.fr/fr/universite/decouvrir-bordeaux-montaigne/histoire-d-universite.html)
14. [Source](https://www.univ-st-etienne.fr/fr/universite/presentation/historique/les-docteurs-honoris-causa.html)
15. [Source](https://www.cipina.org/portraits.html)
16. [Source](https://web.archive.org/web/20091015201639/http://www.univ-montp3.fr/filemanager/le_dit/dit104.pdf)
17. [Source](https://www.lenouvelafrique.net/news/2011/12/07/remise-de-docteur-honoris-causa-a-la-rentree-academique-2011-2012-l-universite-de-liege-honore-abdou-diouf-10-2011)
18. [Source](http://www.ordre-national.gouv.qc.ca/membres/membre.asp?id=2337)
19. [Source](https://www.uliege.be/cms/c_9266244/fr/docteurs-honoris-causa-sur-proposition-des-autorites-de-l-uliege)
20. [Source](https://www.liege.be/fr/vie-communale/protocole/les-citoyens-dhonneur/les-citoyens-dhonneur-2014)
21. [Journal officiel de la République française. 1998](http://legifrance.gouv.fr/affichTexte.do?cidTexte=JORFTEXT000000573935)
22. [Source](https://actu.univ-fcomte.fr/article/abdou-diouf-docteur-honoris-causa-de-lufc-00598)
23. International Standard Name Identifier
24. SNAC
25. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
26. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
27. Roglo
28. Babelio
29. Proleksis Encyclopedia
30. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
31. Virtual International Authority File
32. [BnF authorities](http://data.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/cb12037529v)
33. Czech National Authority Database
34. [Source](https://www.swissinfo.ch/fre/politique-federale/abdou-diouf-une-langue-fidèle-à-son-génie/15302968)