Accused by some, criticized by others, Malick Gackou can count on the support of Amary Gueye. In an opinion piece, the journalist and communications expert defended the leader of the Grand Party, whom he described as "the epitome of selflessness for humanity." Here is his full article dedicated to the politician.

"MALICK GACKOU, the perfect model of selflessness for humanity.

Senegal is a unique, not to say complex, country. Speaking well of others there is often considered a crime. Slander, denunciation, calumny, and defamation are so prevalent that one is sometimes tempted to think these societal ills constitute an established rule to which one must conform, at the risk of being isolated in complete anonymity. The fear of gossip means that between hesitation and refusal to praise someone's merits, there are no options available, except those wrested from imposters for their own ends. This is the not-so-distant result of a culpable collective amnesia in which there seems to be a certain complacency. What a paradox for a country reputed to be profoundly and fundamentally religious and spiritual. Should we need to remind everyone that religiously inspired practices are not limited solely to daily prayers and other professions of faith? They are a necessary but insufficient condition for summarizing ethical behavior through good practices grounded in the virtues that underpin them. It is fundamental, to such an extent that the great Prophet of Islam is the custodian, and the virtues passed down through generations of saints and scholars are forever exalted: "It is by virtue of the qualities of which he is the most perfect embodiment that I love the best of messengers." The greatest man of all time, some would say. The elevation of recognizing the merits of one's fellow human beings and the courage to magnify them aloud and clearly, especially when circumstances demand it, is also a form of devotion.

In contrast to the fanatics with satanic delusions who felt compelled to try and pillory Mr. Gackou with accusations as ludicrous as they are false, the unspoken goal is to satisfy the fantasies of their followers, who are morally and socially adrift and crave thrills. Should we demand, in order to finally be granted the opportunity to seize upon Malick Gackou's sponsorship of the Modou Lo-Sa Thiès wrestling match on April 5th to pay a heartfelt tribute to this exemplary fellow citizen?

His existence could perfectly be summed up as follows: "Malick Gackou or the perfect model of self-sacrifice for humanity".

Our intuition reminds our intellect, which abhors imitation, that this slogan already exists as the battle cry of a local political party. We don't care. We swear, in the most solemn manner, that we didn't look far, that we didn't rack our brains, either, to find this formula that so closely resembles it. Both in terms of social background and current political stance.

It's worth remembering that it was through the press that we first got a sense of this man's character. His commitment to combating flooding in the suburbs, his involvement in preventing maternal and infant mortality, and his support for artistic and sporting celebrities, particularly in the suburbs, were all part of his work. Many of these celebrities would eventually distinguish themselves in the most remarkable ways, becoming icons, leading figures in their respective fields. Indeed, Malick Gakou is a kingmaker, practically in every area that shapes national life. His sense of responsibility and his drive to excel are truly remarkable.

The synergy he spontaneously forged with Aliou Sall, then mayor of Guediawaye, for a sacred union to support the struggling Guediawaye Football Club, at a time when they were politically opposed, illustrates and reinforces his high sense of citizenship.

It was truly in the context of the exercise of our profession as journalists, particularly field reporting, that we were able to take full and accurate measure of the man's intrinsic qualities.

We affirm loudly and clearly that Malick Gakou is a great man. Those who have known and worked with him will not disagree. Even those who parted ways with him for political reasons have nothing to reproach him for. They never held it against him. Nor did he, whose magnanimity transcends political considerations.

Behind the image of the self-important statesman he projects lies an approachable, natural, modest, courteous person with a generous spirit. Malick Gackou is the epitome of republican courtesy. Let those who hold sway over the Var region, so quick to deny verified information with relentless and vicious sarcasm, contradict us with images or audio recordings where Malick Gackou can be heard responding to attacks, even from his most implacable detractors, with inappropriate remarks or invective.

The press has an idea of his sense of restraint. In interviews following his political career, whenever certain journalists, prone to sensationalism and averse to punctuality, tried to extract bombshell statements or harsh remarks about his opponents, he always managed to politely and courteously sidestep the questions without causing offense or frustration. His thoughts and positions were never driven by personal calculations. They consistently adhered to ideas and principles.

Malick Gakou not only possesses the virtue of unwavering lucidity characteristic of great men, but he has given so much of himself and everything to the point that some observers tend to wonder why he has always renounced himself for the benefit of others. "Bliss is close to renunciation." Beyond this response from Shri Aurobindo, it is in the very nature of the former Minister of Commerce to always forget himself for the sake of others. He does not have this rent-seeking perception of managing power through positions of responsibility. If giving discreetly and naturally without expecting anything in return is a form of power, he has possessed it for a long time, allowing himself the luxury of making it an end in itself, even an obsession. For him, true pleasure lies in the act of giving rather than in having or obtaining. Could it have been otherwise for this man whose first hardship was losing his beloved mother at birth? Can one be inspired by the singular Léopold Sédar Senghor, grow up under the protective wing of great statesmen like Famara Ibrahima Sagna and Moustapha Niasse, only to be reduced to his simplest expression and bring no satisfaction to his nation? Unthinkable! Much to the chagrin of his cowardly and infamous cronies. Those who have chosen to attack him with underhanded tactics at every level in order to discredit him should, if they are unaware, know that because of his resilience and strength, he is frequently and discreetly called upon to resolve complex situations and lead noble social struggles. His only reward: the feeling of a patriotic duty fulfilled.

For a long time, he realized that he only truly became himself by ceasing to exist solely for himself. "True generosity in the future consists in giving everything in the present," Albert Camus taught us. This is what Malick Gackou has consistently done for decades. His social actions span generations and transcend political divides in such a constant and dynamic way that one cannot help but invoke the evocative question of verse 60 of Surah 55, proudly bestowing it upon El Hadji Malick Gakou. As a medal of eternal gratitude from a fellow citizen:

Is there any reward for good other than good? Tomorrow is another day!

Amary Gueye

Journalist and Communications Specialist