Senegal Postpones Auction in France for Léopold Sédar Senghor's Art

The auction of belongings that belonged to the first president of Senegal, Léopold Sédar Senghor, has been postponed as the Senegalese government seeks to purchase them directly. The items, which include military medals and jewelry, were scheduled to be sold in Caen, France. President Macky Sall of Senegal has instructed the culture minister and the Paris embassy to engage in talks with the auctioneers. Senghor led Senegal for two decades after gaining independence from France in 1960. He was renowned as a poet and played a pioneering role in the anti-colonialist movement called Négritude, which celebrated African cultures. Senghor, a socialist, maintained strong connections with France and lived in Caen with his wife until his death in 2001. Although the private seller's identity remains undisclosed, negotiations will take place with government officials over the coming weeks. In the event that no agreement is reached, the auction is set to proceed in December, according to auctioneer Solène Laine.