Ganiou Soglo pays tribute to his uncle Saturnin : ” His ability to listen, the accuracy of his words and his frank speaking testify to the quality of the man he was”

A new blow for former president Nicéphore Dieudonné Soglo with the death of his younger brother, Saturnin, former ambassador of Benin to Germany. Ganiou Soglo paid tribute to his uncle through his pen. A very moving text. Read instead !!!

Tribute to my Beloved Uncle

It is with a heart full of sadness that I take up my pen today to pay tribute to a man I consider exceptional., my uncle Saturnin, that everyone called “ambassador” or affectionately “uncle Sat”.

Student, he was already involved in defending the rights of widows and orphans. Activist from the start at the Federation of Black African Students in France (FEANF), It is no surprise that his lyrical flights of fancy and taking a stand at the United Nations already made him a key figure in Beninese diplomacy..

Graduate of Sciences Po, he knew how to carry the colors of our country high through his various missions as head of mission and then ambassador. In his capacity as Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister during the transition (my father in this case), he knew how to organize the cabinet and inject a certain dynamic into the Prime Minister’s hyper-booked agenda. Man of consensus, he always knew, with this courtesy and elegance that we knew about him, maintain ties with the entire political class of our country and the Renaissance of Benin and its leaders. Great man of culture and outstanding writer, for a long time my father could not give a speech without the satisfaction of his brother ambassador. President SOGLO affectionately called him “the Maradona of the pen”.

Grand Clerk of State, man of duty and integrity, his journey is an example of dedication for the generation that we are.

Beyond his impressive feats of arms, uncle Sat has always been an uncle friend to me. Despite the age difference, he was able to be accessible and kind to me. His ability to listen, the accuracy of his words and his frank speaking, testify to the quality of the man he was. His advice was helpful to me at crucial times in my life, revealing once again the depth of our relationship but above all the great wealth of man.

In 1993, he logically agreed to be my wedding godfather, a role that he assumed with all the nobility and warmth that characterized him. His constant presence and unwavering support were invaluable sources of comfort..

My uncle was more than just a family member ; he was my friend. Since he left the capital for Bohicon, our hometown, I didn't let a single moment pass without taking care to ask him for advice here, a review here, without forgetting our heated political discussions around the Sunday lunch.

His departure will leave a huge void in me. To quote this author that my uncle loved very much, Jean D’Ormesson said, is feeling : There is something stronger than death, it is the presence of the absent in the memory of the living. Uncle will always be present in each of us.

Rest in peace, Watch SAT…

May your soul find eternal rest

With all our affection

My dear friends, keep a thought for him in your prayers

GANIOU SOGLO