Diouf, Abdou (1935– )

Senegalese left-wing politician, president 1981–2000. He became prime minister in 1970 under President Léopold Senghor and, on his retirement, succeeded him, being re-elected in 1983, 1988, and, in multiparty elections, in 1993. Despite a controversial law passed in 1998 making him president for life, presidential elections were held in March 2000 in which he was defeated by Abdoulaye Wade. He stepped down as president and six months later he announced his withdrawal from politics. His presidency was characterized by authoritarianism, aimed at maintaining the dominance of the Senegalese Socialist Party, which Diouf led.

Diouf was born in Louga in northwestern Senegal, and studied at Paris University, France. On independence in 1960, he joined the civil service and held a succession of senior posts, including secretary-general to the government at the age of 29. He became a protégé of President Léopold Sengor, who appointed him prime minister in 1970 and indicated in 1976 that he would be his successor. He was chair of the Organization of African Unity (OAU; later African Union) 1985–86 and 1992–93.