Senegalese comedian and actor Alioune Badara Diagne, popularly known as Golbert Diagne, has died at the age of 79.

Born in St Louis, Diagne was a towering cultural figure in Senegal. He is best known for his acting in comedy dramas on Senegalese public broadcaster RTS TV. 

President Macky Sall led the tributes on Twitter, writing:

“Journalist, man of culture Golbert Diagne went through life usefully. He left the mark intact of a diligent designer, an open and affable man, a Saint Louisian who was proud but deeply penetrated by the values ​​of the Nation. To his family, I offer my heartfelt condolences.”

The mayor of Saint-Louis, Mansour Faye, said his death was “a great loss for the city”. According to him, the deceased identified with Saint-Louis.

“He will leave an indelible mark in the city. He was unanimous around him. For my part, I am losing a sponsor.”

The former mayor of Saint-Louis Cheikh Bamba Dièye wrote on Twitter: “Saint-Louis has its symbols and one of them has just left us. I pay tribute to the immense and worthy representative of the city that Alioune Badara Diagne dit Golbert was. I pray to God for His mercy and offer my condolences to his family.”

Golbert Diagne was also a respected journalist and broadcaster. He is the owner of the private radio station “Teranga Fm”.

He started his journalism career at the regional station of RTS Saint-Louis (La Voix du Nord), but became a household name as an actor and comedian man after joining the theatrical group of Saint-Louis Bara Yeggo.

By Momodou Musa Touray