The Franco-African intellectual and political world is in mourning. Albert Bourgi , professor emeritus of public law and emblematic figure of socialism on the continent, passed away this Wednesday, January 7, at the age of 83.

A destiny linked to the continent

Born in Dakar to a family of Lebanese origin whose exile transformed into a permanent settlement in Senegal, Albert Bourgi dedicated his life to the study of African legal and political systems. A respected columnist for Jeune Afrique and an editorialist on RFI , he was a respected voice, capable of explaining even the most complex constitutional issues in simple terms.

The antithesis of traditional "Françafrique"

While his brother, Robert Bourgi, embodied the shadowy networks of the French right, Albert chose a diametrically opposed path. A man of the left, he used the Socialist International to forge unbreakable ties with opponents of the authoritarian regimes of the time.

1. Historical support: He was a fellow traveler of figures such as Laurent Gbagbo (Ivory Coast) or Alpha Condé (Guinea).
2. Freedom activist: He notably orchestrated the international campaign for the release of Alpha Condé during his imprisonment under Lansana Conté.
3. The architect behind the scenes: Once his friends were brought to power, he put his legal genius to work for more social and democratic constitutions.

Uncompromising loyalty

What characterized Albert Bourgi, beyond his loyalty, was his intellectual audacity. His longtime friend, Francis Kpatindé , a professor at Sciences Po Paris, describes an "icon" who did not hesitate to speak his truths to the powerful.

In 2020, he had publicly opposed the constitutional amendment allowing Alpha Condé to run for a third term in Guinea — a prophetic warning, just months before the coup that would overthrow the Guinean president.

“Albert was the intellectual contributor, the stroke of genius, the little idea that added something to the debate. Africa has lost one of its greatest defenders of the ‘wretched of the earth.’” — Francis Kpatindé