COVID-19

Senegal mourned its first coronavirus death which came with extra pain because it involved an illustrious son of the land, journalist, and sports administrator, Pape Diouf. The 68-year-old was a former president of French soccer club Marseille between 2005-09. Authorities confirmed that he had been in intensive care in Dakar. Senegal President Macky Sall wrote on his official Twitter account that he had followed Diouf’s health closely after he was admitted for treatment. “I pay tribute to this great figure in the sport,” Sall wrote. “I pay tribute to the medical staff at Fann Hospital who spared no effort to save him.” Relatives said Diouf was meant to be moved to France. He had recently traveled to several countries in the West Africa region. Diouf was a charismatic and popular leader who was close to the fans and players at Marseille, the only French team to win the European club title. “Pape will forever remain in the hearts of Marseille people and (is) one of the great architects of the club,” Marseille wrote under a photo of Diouf.