The Blue Shield mourns the loss of Mr Babacar NDIAYE (1951-2023), who passed away unexpectedly last month. He served as President of the Senegalese Blue Shield Committee since 2012, following its recognition in 2008.
A lifelong archivist, he held a Diploma of Advanced Studies in History from the Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, and several other diplomas and certificates in archival science and records management. He began his professional career at the Archives of Senegal in 1979, serving as its Deputy Director from 1999 to 2008, and as Director until 2012.
He also gave lectures to heritage professionals at the Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Senegal, in the Training and Research Unit: Civilisations Religions Arts and Communication, supporting the next generation.
In addition to these commitments, he was a Member of the Executive Committee of the International Council on Archives (ICA) and the President of Warbica (West African Regional branch of the International Council on Archives) and Editor-in-Chief of the journal WARBICA; the Vice-President of the Senegalese Memory of the World Committee; and a Member of the “International Association of Francophone Archives”.
Mr NDIAYE took part in a number of scientific meetings and international conferences, and has organised several archive exhibitions. He co-organised the first ” International Francophone Archives Week” in Dakar from 19 to 24 October 2009. In his capacity as a member of the National Commission for the Management of the Borders of Senegal and its neighbouring countries, he participated in all missions, reconnaissance, surveys and data collection at documentary institutions in Senegal and in abroad
He also authored archive directories, catalogues, books and several articles, and was the co-author of several publications, including the introductory text of the brochure “Protecting heritage in crisis: Blue shield in Africa” produced in 2021 by the German Blue Shield Committee and the African Blue Shield Committees, and was a member of the “Sources Commission” of the 25-volume book: “General history of Senegal: from its origins to the present day”.
Babacar’s contributions to the study, documentation, and preservation of Senegalese documentary heritage were extensive. He was a passionate advocate of heritage protection and preservation throughout his life. We join Senegal in mourning his loss.
Download Blue Shield in Africa (pdf) – the publication is dual language in French and English
The history and work of the five African National Committees are explained in detail in the publication, and the strong collaboration between them and their partners in the wider Blue Shield family is highlighted.
