The WACREN community bade a final and befitting farewell to the late Dr. Boubakar Barry, the pioneering CEO of WACREN, at the WACREN 10th Annual Conference in Dakar, Senegal. The farewell brought together friends, colleagues, partners, and family to honour the life, vision, and enduring legacy of a leader described by many as a man of integrity, grit and dedication for the research and education landscape in Africa. A series of tributes from representatives of leading global and regional institutions, including EU, ASREN, GEANT, UbuntuNet Alliance, NORDUnet, IRD, AFRINIC, ICANN and ISOC, and others, each sharing heartfelt reflections on his professionalism, integrity, and impact. These messages collectively portrayed Dr. Barry as a strategic bridge-builder dedicated to fostering collaboration with grace and resolve. The CEO of UbuntuNet Alliance recalled how Dr. Barry provided guidance and mentorship rooted in his experiences at WACREN and other workplaces. The ASREN CEO, Dr. Yousef Altorman shared the deep sense of African brotherhood he experienced with Dr. Barry, highlighting his generosity, professionalism and camaraderie. The crescendo of the tribute was when Dr. Barry’s family, represented by two of his children, read a tribute which highlighted fatherhood and mentorship. WACREN’s new CEO, Dr. Eyouleki T.G. Palanga, shared a glowing tribute describing Dr. Barry as a man of integrity and grit. Omo Oaiya, the CSO of WACREN, also described Dr. Barry as a man who earned the trust of all who knew him. The Interim Board Chair of WACREN, Pierre Traore Bakoroba, made a special presentation to Dr. Barry’s wife in recognition of his leadership and enduring contributions. In every word spoken and memory shared, it was evident that Dr. Boubakar Barry’s legacy will continue to shape and inspire Africa’s research and education landscape for generations to come. Watch the tribute video (Begin from 50:30 mins).
