Iba Der Thiam facts for kids

Iba Der Thiam (born February 26, 1937 – died October 31, 2020) was an important person from Senegal. He was a talented writer, a wise historian, and a dedicated politician. He worked in the government of Senegal as the Minister of Education from 1983 to 1988. Later, he became the First Vice-President of the National Assembly of Senegal, which is like the country's parliament, from 2001 to 2012.

Early Life and Education

Iba Der Thiam was born in a place called Kaffrine on February 26, 1937. He loved learning and became a history professor at the University of Dakar. He was also part of a big project by UNESCO called the General History of Africa. This project aimed to write down the history of Africa from an African point of view.

Thiam was also a leader for workers and thinkers. He worked for many years to help people who shared ideas.

Political Career

Iba Der Thiam served his country in many ways. Under President Abdou Diouf, he became the Minister of National Education. This means he was in charge of schools and learning for the whole country from 1983 to 1988.

After his time as Minister, he started his own political party in 1992. It was called the Convention of Democrats and Patriots (CDP).

Running for President

In 1993, Iba Der Thiam ran for president of Senegal. He also won a seat in the National Assembly, which is where laws are made. He was the only person from his party to be elected in 1998.

He ran for president again in 2000. Even though he didn't win, he supported another leader, Abdoulaye Wade, who then won the election.

Serving in the National Assembly

After the 2000 election, Thiam was re-elected to the National Assembly in 2001. During President Wade's time, Thiam became the First Vice-President of the National Assembly. This was a very important role. In 2005, his party, the CDP, joined with President Wade's party.

He was re-elected to the National Assembly again in 2007. He continued to serve as First Vice-President. He was offered a higher position as a Minister, but he chose to stay in the National Assembly.

Later Years in Politics

In 2012, Thiam was not re-elected to the National Assembly at first. However, another member resigned later that year. Because Thiam was next in line, he returned to the National Assembly in January 2013. He continued to serve his country despite his age.

Historian and Writer

Besides his political work, Iba Der Thiam was a very important historian. He continued to work on the General History of Africa project for UNESCO.

From 2013, he also led a project to write the General History of Senegal. This was a big effort to tell Senegal's history from its own perspective, not just from a European one. He believed it was important for Senegalese people to know their own story.

He also held important roles in history and geography groups. He was the Vice-President of the Senegalese Association of History and Geography Teachers. He was also the Secretary General of the Pan-African Association of Historians.

Legacy

Iba Der Thiam passed away on October 31, 2020, in Dakar. He is remembered as a dedicated public servant, a brilliant historian, and a passionate writer who worked hard for his country and for the understanding of African history.

Books by Iba Der Thiam

Iba Der Thiam wrote many books about history and education. Here are some of his important works:

• La grève des cheminots du Sénégal de septembre 1938 (This book is about a railway workers' strike in Senegal in 1938.)
• Histoire du Sénégal et de l'Afrique (This book, co-written with Nadiour Ndiaye, covers the history of Senegal and Africa.)
• Maba Diakhou Bâ, almamy du Rip (Sénégal) (This book is about a historical leader in Senegal.)
• L' éducation civique dans les lycées et collèges : classe de 3e : le Sénégal et les institutions internationales (This book is about civic education for students, focusing on Senegal and international groups.)
• Géographie du Sénégal (This book is about the geography of Senegal.)
• L’évolution politique et syndicale du Sénégal colonial de 1840 à 1936 (This was his doctoral thesis, a very long and detailed study of Senegal's political and union changes during colonial times.)
• Le Sénégal dans la guerre 14-18, ou le prix du combat pour l'égalité (This book looks at Senegal's role in World War I and the fight for equality.)
• Les origines du mouvement syndical africain, 1790-1929 (This book explores how the workers' union movement started in Africa.)