Caen was to sell Léopold Sédar Senghor’s possessions, including military medals and jewelry. After Senegal gained independence from France in 1960, Senghor led the country for 20 years until Macky Sall became president. He urged the culture minister and the embassy in Paris to talk to the auctioneers.

With his French wife Colette, he retired to France near Caen, where he died in 2001.

Senghor’s belongings have been auctioned by a private seller who has not been identified. During the 1930s, he pioneered the Négritude movement – an anti-colonialist movement that championed African cultures – with Martinican poet Aimé Cesairé. According to auctioneer Solène Laine, negotiations will take place over the next few weeks, but if there is no agreement, an auction will take place in December.