Celebrating the life and contribution of Professor Salif Diop

Nairobi, Kenya, January 2022

The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) is deeply saddened to have heard of the death of Professor Salif Diop, an AAS Fellow and major player in the water sector in Africa and the world. He passed on, on 27 December 2021 in Dakar, Senegal.

Professor Diop obtained his 3rd cycle doctorate in coastal tropical geomorphology (1978) and his state doctorate in physical geography and coastal geomorphology (1986) at University Louis Pasteur in Strasbourg, France. He was a senior Fulbright scholar at Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, USA (1986-1987).

He dedicated nearly 16 years working as a Senior Officer in the United Nations Environment Programme's (UNEP) Division of Early Warning and Assessment. He was a water specialist with extensive experience in various aspects of coastal oceanography, freshwater assessment and marine issues, sustainable management and development.

Professor Diop had been an active Fellow of the AAS since 2009. He became Vice President of Western Africa of the AAS in 2020, a role that made him a member of the Governing Council. He represented the AAS at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and immensely contributed to the organization of the 54th Session of IPCC and 14th Session of the Working Group.

He was a member of a member of the National Academy of Sciences and Techniques of Senegal (ANSTS) and the World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Sciences in the Developing Countries (TWAS).

The AAS remembers him for his contribution to the growth of the Academy. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

Condolence messages from AAS Fellows

“The passing on of Prof Salif Diop is a tragic loss to scholarship, the AAS and Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.” Prof Felix Dakora, President of the AAS.

“Prof Salif Diop was a brilliant scientist and an ardent believer and supporter of AAS. May his soul rest in peace in the highest heaven.” Prof Moctar Toure, AAS Fellow.

“What a tragedy, such sad news to the family, friends, the AAS, the continent and beyond! My personal condoléances to the family. May his soul rest in perfect peace”. Prof Barthelemy  Nyasse, Secretary General of the AAS

“This is a great loss. Prof Salif Diop was an astute scientist, a pleasant character and loved the AAS. May Allah grant his soul rest in peace and shower him with mercy.” Prof Assan Jaye, AAS Fellow.

“A huge loss for our institution and the continent. Salif had an immense and deep attachment to science and to people. Rest in peace.” Prof Norbert Hounkonnou, AAS Fellow.

“We appreciate his scientific contributions, humility and sense of social responsibility. The world needs more people like him. May His Soul Rest In Peace and may God Almighty console his family, friends and associates.” Prof Catherine Falade, AAS Fellow.

“With our profound condolences to his family by and large. His role model spirit and ardent voice for the continent is here to stay.” Prof Malik Maaza, AAS Fellow

“May his soul rest in eternal peace” – various messages have been received from many AAS Fellows.

“The AAS Secretariat has worked very closely with Prof Salif Diop as a Member of the Governing Council, and he represented the AAS at the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), such a tragic loss to the Academy and the African Region’. Prof Catherine Ngila, Ag. Executive Director of the AAS.

Media contacts

Africa Academy of Sciences

Shylee Mbuchucha

s.mbuchucha@aasciences.africa

+254 736 888 001 | +254 725 290 145